In a shocking discovery, making a development in the Dharmasthala mass burial case, an ATM card and a PAN card was recovered at one of the sites. The site was pointed out by a former sanitation worker. The site has led SIT to trace a family in Nelamangala near Bengaluru. The ATM card discovered at the site belonged to Sidalakshamma, a resident of Dabaspet. Meanwhile the PAN card belonged to her son, Suresh. Suresh reportedly died due to alcoholism in March and was buried locally.

“The recovery of identifiable items like a PAN card and an ATM card provides an avenue for further enquiry, and we trust the SIT will pursue these vital leads with the utmost urgency,” the advocate said.

According to Sidalakshamma, the cards were lost during a family trip to Dharmasthala five years ago. She told local media that her son, who was battling jaundice and alcoholism. She further informed that he had been using her ATM card at the time.

Digging Yields Limited Evidence at Burial Sites

In addition the Special Investigation Team (SIT), formed to probe allegations of mass murder, rape, and secret burials in Dharmasthala spanning nearly two decades, continued excavations on Friday. However, efforts to exhume human remains at Sites 7 and 8 near the Nethravathi River yielded no results.

Despite digging up to six feet deep and draining accumulated water from the pits, no skeletal remains were found at both sites. Officials said that heavy rainfall in the area had caused water seepage, slowing down the excavation work. In total, around 60 people, including 20 workers, took part in Friday’s operation.

Forensic Testing Underway; DNA Analysis to Follow

So far, remains have only been found at Site 6 on Thursday. Here partial skeletal fragments and cloth were recovered. The remains have been sealed and sent for forensic examination and further investigation.

The skeletal remains recovered at Site 6 will first undergo an autopsy, likely at Victoria Hospital. Following this it will be forwarded to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Madiwala, Bengaluru. Once the forensic report is available, DNA tests will be carried out. Particularly in cases where family members have submitted complaints about missing persons.

“The skeletal remains recovered from the sixth site on Thursday will be sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). Once the FSL report is received, a DNA test will be carried out based on the complaints received,” SIT sources said. Calls with suggestions to ‘Helpline’ The helpline launched by the SIT in Mangaluru has been receiving calls from within the state and from outside Karnataka. Most callers are seeking updates on the progress of the investigation, while a few are offering suggestions. No specific complaints have been received so far. If any complaint is filed, it will be accepted and forwarded to the concerned police station,” says reports.

Whistleblower’s Claims Spark Statewide Investigation

The SIT’s investigation stems from explosive claims made by a former sanitation worker, who alleged that he was forced to bury numerous bodies, many of them women and minors, between 1995 and 2014 in Dharmasthala. He claimed he was threatened to stay silent and only recently came forward to file an FIR on July 4.

The whistleblower identified 13 potential burial sites near the temple town. So far, remains have been recovered from only one site. The SIT is expected to resume digging at Site 9 on Saturday.

In a broader effort to verify the whistleblower’s allegations, the SIT has started gathering historical records from the Dharmasthala Gram Panchayat regarding unidentified bodies found over the past three decades. The team is also reviewing unnatural death cases registered at Belthangady police station, which earlier had jurisdiction over Dharmasthala.

Karnataka HC Quashes Media Gag Order

In a significant ruling, the Karnataka High Court has quashed a sweeping gag order previously issued by a Bengaluru civil court. The earlier order had barred media outlets, YouTube channels, and individuals from reporting on or discussing the ongoing investigation.

The High Court directed the trial court to reconsider the matter, emphasizing the importance of press freedom and public accountability in such serious cases.

Government Warns Against Social Media Misinformation

Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara announced that the state government is monitoring social media posts related to the alleged mass burials. He warned that action would be taken against any content that could “instigate feelings in society” or spread hate speech. The minister referenced previous cases of communal tension in Dakshina Kannada and emphasized vigilance against misinformation.

“We are watching it and if in any way they are instigating feelings in the society, we will try to stop them. We are taking action against hate speech-related cases as you are aware. We will keep watch on such postings that may create an impact (on the society) wrongly,” Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara told the media.

“Mohanty’s name is there in the list of empanelment of Director General-rank officers to serve in the Union Government. But he will not be immediately given any posting (at Centre). He had come to inform me about it. Also, as the government is bringing rules regarding fake news, online gambling, Mohanty being the Internal Security Division head, had come to brief me about certain things ahead of the meeting in this regard today,” he explained.

No Connection Between Mohanty’s Meeting and the Case

Addressing speculation, the minister clarified that DGP (Internal Security Division) R. Mohanty’s recent meeting with him was unrelated to the Dharmasthala investigation. Mohanty, who is empanelled for a central posting, had reportedly met the minister to discuss upcoming rules on fake news and online gambling. “There is no communication from the Centre regarding his transfer as of now,” Parameshwara added.

The SIT has launched a helpline to receive information related to the case. While several callers have sought updates or offered suggestions, no formal complaints have been received so far. Authorities assured that any concrete complaints would be directed to the relevant police stations.

SIT Helpline:

Phone: 0824–2005301
WhatsApp: 8277986369
Email: sitdps@ksp.gov.in

Investigation Ongoing

As of now, the SIT has excavated 8 out of 13 sites identified by the whistleblower, with only one site yielding skeletal remains. The probe continues to unravel the truth behind decades-old allegations of secret burials and systemic abuse.