Belthangady | September 11, 2025
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Dharmasthala mass burial case has recovered five more sets of skeletal remains during its second mahajar (spot inspection) at Bangle Gudde in Belthangady on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. The discovery comes just four days after the SIT found skeletal remains of two individuals during the first mahajar conducted on September 6, 2025.
According to SIT officials, the second mahajar was conducted in the presence of Vittal Gowda, whose enquiry has now been nearly concluded. Contrary to some reports in mainstream media, SIT sources clarified that Gowda has not been arrested and there is no such move at this stage.
Discovery of Skeletal Remains and Suspected Ritual Items
A highly placed source in the Home Ministry told, that five sets of skeletal remains were unearthed during Wednesday’s operation. Investigators were particularly concerned after finding vessels (kara) and pieces of clothing near the remains, which raised suspicions of possible black magic practices.
While confirming the skeletal recovery, SIT officials declined to comment on the black magic angle, stating that “comments are reserved at this stage.” One of the skulls appeared to belong to a child based on its size, the source added. If confirmed, this would expand the scope of the probe, possibly requiring the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG & IGP) to grant additional powers to the SIT.
So far, only two skeletal remains recovered earlier have been officially sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for DNA and age determination tests. The newly found remains from the second mahajar are yet to be collected for forensic analysis.
Case Background and Arrests
The SIT was constituted on July 19, 2025, by the Karnataka government following an FIR (No. 56/2025) registered at Dharmasthala Police Station on July 4, 2025. The complaint was filed by Chinnayya, a former sanitation worker, who alleged that he had been coerced into burying bodies of victims of abuse and sexual violence.
However, on August 23, 2025, the SIT arrested Chinnayya after finding inconsistencies in his testimony. He now faces charges of perjury and forgery of evidence, particularly related to a skull he had earlier presented before a magistrate. He is currently in judicial custody.
Testimonies from YouTubers and Activists
On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, YouTubers Manaf and Abhishek, along with activists Jayanth T and Girish Mattanavar, were summoned by the SIT for questioning. Also appearing were local residents Vittal Gowda (a relative of Sowjanya) and another resident named Pradeep. Manaf stated that his phones had not been seized and that he had complied fully with SIT—he shared details about the skull presented earlier by the complainant.
Ongoing Probe at Bangle Gudde
The Bangle Gudde site has become the focal point of the investigation. During the September 6, 2025 mahajar, SIT officers were reportedly shocked to find skeletal remains scattered across the surface, resembling what sources described as a “battlefield.” The scattered nature suggested the remains may have been dumped rather than systematically buried.
The SIT continues to verify these findings against missing persons records, unnatural death reports, and earlier case documents. Officials have not disclosed further details citing the sensitivity of the investigation, but forensic results are expected to play a critical role in determining the next course of action.
Mahout’s Family Seeks Reinvestigation
Relatives of Narayana and his daughter Yamuna, who were victims of a double murder in 2012 in Dharmasthala, approached the SIT requesting a re-examination of the case. The police had previously issued a C report citing insufficient evidence to proceed. The court petition has now been withdrawn, and the SIT has assured a review.
Political and Media Narratives
While the SIT continues its fieldwork, political parties and sections of mainstream media have attempted to frame the developments in contrasting ways. Some leaders have publicly backed Dharmasthala’s administration, while others have called for stronger accountability. At the same time, the SIT has clarified that its focus remains strictly on evidence collection and forensic analysis, irrespective of external pressures. Officials reiterated that “no diversion or narrative building will shift the direction of the probe,” which is being pursued with an emphasis on uncovering facts and delivering justice.
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