No human remains found in Dharmasthala forest on Day 7 of exhumation

MANGALURU: The special investigation team (SIT) probing the alleged mass burial case in the Dharmasthala forests, on Tuesday took up exhumation at the the 11th and 12th spots identified by the anonymous complainant, but found no human remains on Day 7.

On Monday, excavation was taken up at a hillock close to the 11th spot where a human skeleton was found. Hence, excavation was not taken up at the 11th point on Monday. The 11th and 12th spots are close to each other near the Nethravathi bathing ghat. On Wednesday, the police will take up exhumation at the 13th and last spot identified by the complainant.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, a red saree tied to a tree was found near where a skeleton, presumably of a male who committed suicide, was found. A few pieces of men’s clothing had also been found on Monday. Police sources said 140 bones including a damaged skull and spine were found on Monday and were sent to a forensic lab for testing.

It is suspected that a male may have committed suicide about a year ago and is not linked to the alleged mass burial. The sources also said that the anonymous complainant had previous information about the suspected suicide and had led the SIT to the spot. It has now been marked at the 14th spot.

Some difference of opinion prevailed on Monday after the discovery of the skeleton as Assistant Commissioner Stella Verghese insisted that the human remains be considered part of the SIT investigation, but the team was firm that since it was a case of unnatural death, the local police should investigate it. After much discussion, the SIT finally took custody of the skeleton.