The SIT, which is investigating the massacre in Dharmasthala village in Belthangadi taluk of South Kannada district of Karnataka, has got a big success. Human residues have been recovered during excavation at sixth place of investigation. It is believed that these remains can be the first concrete link in this much talked about case. Earlier, SIT had excavated five places mentioned by the complainant, but no strong evidence was found from there. The sixth excavation is now expected to get the direction to the investigation.
When and how the matter started?
On July 4, a former scavenger lodged an FIR. He alleged that he was forced to secretly bury several bodies while working in Dharmasthala between 1995 and 2014. The complainant claims that many of these deceased were victims of sexual violence and murder. He also said that there was violence with one of his relatives, due to which he left the village and ran away.
When did SIT handle the investigation?
On 25 July, SIT started investigation by taking a case from the local police. Out of a total of 13 possible burial sites mentioned by the complainant, 6 have been excavated so far. SIT said that so far some contradictions have been found in the statements of the complainant, so before further action, his entire story is necessary.
What have you found so far?
In the investigation, a PAN card and two ATM cards have been recovered so far. In this evidence case, advocate N.K. Manjunath introduced. The lawyer also said that the complainant has identified another important place, where the most bodies are expected to be buried. Excavation will be done at that place in the next phase.
How is the investigation being done?
SIT is recording every stage of excavation in the video, so that the investigation process can be fully documented. The team is currently planning to excavate all possible 13 sites and is trying to connect each link with technical and forensic investigation.