Amid swirling allegations of mass burials in a sacred temple town, a new chapter unfolds as investigators dig deeper—literally—into unsettling claims. The Special Investigation Team (SIT), formed months ago to probe accusations of hidden graves and cover-ups, is now focusing on a fresh location identified by a key witness, marking a significant turn in an already complex investigation.
The Latest Developments at Site No. 13
On August 8 and 9, the SIT ventured into a forested area near Dharmasthala—specifically in the Boliyar region along the Dharmasthala–Subrahmanya route. Guided by the witness, investigators and forensic experts began searching what they’ve designated as Site No. 13, situated approximately half a kilometer deep inside the forest. Present at the scene were high-level officials, including the Puttur Assistant Commissioner Stella Varghese and SIT Superintendent of Police Jithendra Kumar Dayama, along with forensic teams and Scene of Crime Officers .
Despite deploying heavy tools—earthmovers, shovels, and under a secured environment—the search did not uncover skeletal remains at this site . It appears the search will continue in the coming days, with investigators determined to pursue every lead.
The Bigger Picture: Context and Ongoing Investigation
This new search is part of a broader probe. So far, the witness has pointed to 15 different locations in Dharmasthala village. Excavations have already been conducted at 14 of those sites; earlier efforts yielded skeletal remains in two spots, while others yielded no evidence .
The case stems from grave allegations by a former sanitation worker who claimed he was forced to bury bodies—many of women and children—over nearly two decades. The SIT, created on July 19 under the leadership of DGP Pronab Mohanty, is examining these claims with urgency and discretion .
Pressures and Stakes: The Investigation Amid Political and Public Scrutiny
The investigation carries enormous social and emotional weight. Affected families, community groups, and activists continue to demand transparency, while some voices call for the SIT to be granted full autonomy to shield the process from political influence .
At the same time, the political environment surrounding the probe is charged. One faction alleges conspiracies aimed at discrediting the temple and calls for narco-analysis of the main witness. Others accuse political parties of attempting to mislead the SIT or capitalize on public sentiment.
On the technical front, legal representatives involved in related missing-person cases are urging the use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to enhance detection accuracy in forested and shifting terrain.
Reflections: Beyond the Excavation
This ongoing search illuminates broader issues—how deeply buried truths must be coaxed into daylight, and how much perseverance and integrity are required to uncover them. The involvement of expert personnel, the careful documentation of each site, and the persistence of investigators underscore a collective commitment to justice.
Still, this case invites urgent reflection on institutional responsiveness and the vulnerability of marginalized voices. How do we ensure that allegations like these are not lost amid bureaucracy, skepticism, or political rivalries? How are victims and whistle-blowers safeguarded in probing sensitive historical wounds?
What Lies Ahead
The search at Site No. 13 continues. Whether this location yields remains or not, the investigation presses on—possibly toward Site No. 15 or beyond—as authorities triangulate evidence from forensic teams, witness testimonies, and mapping tools like GPR.
For the public, this is a time for sober observation—not speculation. The SIT has been vested with full police-station authority as of early August 2025, enabling it to file cases and act autonomously within the legal framework.
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