Dharmasthala Horror Case
Overview of the "Dharmasthala Horror"
The "Dharmasthala horror" continues to be a major developing story in Karnataka, India, with new findings emerging from the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe as of early August 2025. The core of the case revolves around the chilling allegations made by a former sanitation worker who claims he was forced to bury hundreds of bodies, many of whom were reportedly women and children who were victims of sexual assault and murder, between 1995 and 2014.
Latest Updates on the SIT Probe
Ongoing Investigations and Discoveries:
Skeletal Remains Found: The SIT has been actively exhuming sites identified by the whistleblower. Partial skeletal remains have been found at multiple locations, including site number 6 and near spot 11 in Banglegudde, close to the Netravathi River. These findings are being sent for detailed forensic analysis to determine identity, age, gender, and cause of death.
Full Skeleton Discovery: A full human skeleton was uncovered near the Netravathi River at Spot 11, accompanied by male clothing and a rope. While investigators are not ruling out foul play, a possible suicide from 1.5 years ago is also being considered.
Additional Sites Searched: As of early August, the SIT has searched at least 10 of the 13 initial sites identified by the complainant-witness. While some sites have yielded remains, others have not. The exhumation process is ongoing, with new equipment like mini earthmovers and water pumps being utilized.
Recovered Items: From one of the initial sites, a PAN card and a RuPay debit card were recovered. The PAN card was traced to a man who reportedly died of jaundice and was cremated, while the bank is yet to provide details for the woman linked to the debit card.
New Complainants: Another individual, Jayant T, has come forward with a complaint related to a murder that allegedly occurred around 15 years ago in Dharmasthala, claiming to have witnessed it and expressing concerns about destroyed death records. He has offered to show the burial location to the SIT.
Whistleblower Testimonies and Concerns:
The former sanitation worker's detailed accounts of being coerced to bury hundreds of bodies, many showing signs of brutal sexual assault, strangulation, and mutilation, remain central to the investigation. He continues to assist the police in mapping burial sites.
Concerns have been raised about the whistleblower's safety, with demands for witness protection due to alleged threats and concerns about police confidentiality breaches.
Re-examination of Past Cases:
The case of Ananya Bhatt, a medical student who disappeared in 2003 after visiting the Dharmasthala temple, is being re-examined. Her mother has filed an FIR urging police to locate her daughter's skeletal remains. Her lawyer has also requested the SIT to deploy Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) at excavation sites due to potential soil shifts over the years.
The long-cold 1986 Padmalatha case is also being re-examined.
The situation has garnered significant public outrage and demands for a thorough and transparent investigation to uncover the truth and ensure justice for the alleged victims. The investigation is intensifying with forensic analysis and police security in the area.
Location of Dharmasthala
Dharmasthala is a temple town located on the banks of the Nethravathi River in the **Belthangady taluk of the Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka, India**.
- Distance from Mangaluru: Approximately 75 kilometers (east).
- Distance from Bangalore: Roughly 295 to 310 kilometers.
- Geographical Coordinates: Approximately $12.95^\circ$ N latitude and $75.37^\circ$ E longitude.
The town is a significant pilgrimage center, known for the centuries-old Dharmasthala Temple dedicated to the Hindu god Manjunatha, and it uniquely blends Hindu and Jain traditions.
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SIT Contact Information
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has set up an office for public interaction and information sharing.
- Office Location: IB in Mallikatte, Mangaluru
- Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Helpline Numbers: 0824 – 2005301, 8277986369
- Email: sitdps@ksp.gov.in
