Exhumed bones at Point 6 on Netravati riverbank in Dharmasthala is 40-50 years old

MANGALURU: The bones found at the sixth marked point during the excavation on the Netravati riverbank near Dharmasthala, is about 40-50 years old, sources said. The exhumation is being carried out after an anonymous complainant alleged that hundreds of bodies were buried in the Dharmasthala forest.

The skeletal remains were sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for further examination. Preliminary findings indicate that the bones likely belong to a male and official confirmation is expected within a week.

The exhumation, which had been paused on Sunday, has so far been conducted at 10 points, with Point -6 being the only site where human remains were found. The search operation will resume on Monday, focusing on Points 11, 12, and 13, which are generating significant interest. If no evidence is found at these locations, the possibility of the anonymous complainant being involved may be explored.

Security has been heightened at the Netravati riverbank, with armed guards stationed at the excavation sites and those scheduled for further investigation.