Mangaluru, : In a key development in the alleged Dharmasthala human remains burial case, the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report on skeletal remains recovered from the forests near Dharmasthala’s Snanaghatta area has reached the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
According to reliable sources, the FSL analysis has confirmed that the remains found at two different sites—marked 6 and 11A near Banglegudde forest—belonged to male individuals. These remains were recovered earlier this year during a series of excavations led by the SIT following allegations that multiple murder victims were secretly buried in the area.
The FSL report, as per SIT officials, identifies the physical characteristics and condition of the remains at the time of recovery to determine that they were male. However, the report does not include any DNA lineage analysis, as no family DNA samples have been made available so far to establish the victims’ identities.
Thus, while the laboratory could confirm gender, it could not determine the exact identity of the deceased. “The report only provides a forensic description of the bone condition and other anatomical observations,” an SIT source confirmed.
The government has not yet directed the SIT to submit its final investigation report, though officials said an interim report could be filed if necessary. “We will continue to revise and update our findings based on new forensic or testimonial evidence,” a senior officer stated.
Four witnesses yet to appear before SIT
The SIT had earlier issued notices to four individuals — Mahesh Shetty Timarodi, Girish Mattannavar, Vittal Gowda, and Jayanth T — who allegedly sheltered a key witness and complainant in the case. These four, through their advocates, requested additional time to appear but have not yet reported to the SIT’s Beltangady office.
Officials said they expect them to appear soon for questioning, failing which fresh notices will be issued. “We are hopeful that they will cooperate. If not, further legal action will follow,” the SIT source added.
The Dharmasthala case has continued to draw public and media attention for months due to its sensitive nature, with allegations suggesting that multiple criminal acts were covered up through illegal burials in forested areas. The arrival of the FSL report is expected to play a crucial role in determining the next steps in the ongoing investigation.
