A sweeping criminal investigation has been launched in Karnataka after skeletal remains, believed to be human, were discovered at multiple sites near the Dharmasthala temple. The findings, which include skulls, bones, and personal items such as a knotted saree and slippers, have reignited claims of sexual violence, mass murder, and systemic cover-up spanning nearly two decades.
The probe began after a whistleblower, a Dalit sanitation worker formerly employed by the temple, came forward in June 2025 with allegations that he had been forced between 1995 and 2014 to bury or burn the bodies of women and children who showed signs of brutal abuse. According to his testimony, these victims had suffered acid burns, strangulation, mutilation, and other violent injuries. He claimed refusal to comply would have endangered his own life.
The most recent findings came from “Spot 11” along the banks of the Nethravathi River, where a team from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) uncovered human remains during excavation. This followed earlier discoveries at “Spot 6,” including bones and identity cards. Both sites had been marked on hand-drawn maps provided by the whistleblower, who fled Dharmasthala in 2014 and lived in hiding until he surfaced this year.
His complaint has reopened older unresolved cases, including the 2012 rape and murder of 17-year-old Sowjanya and the controversial 1986 death of Padmalata. Many families who previously reported missing women, particularly from marginalized communities, say they were discouraged from filing complaints or pursuing investigations due to the social and political influence wielded by the temple authorities.
A formal complaint was registered on July 3, followed by the constitution of an SIT on July 19. The SIT began excavation at 13 identified locations on July 22. While many spots yielded no remains, raising concerns over evidence tampering or degradation, findings at Spots 6 and 11 have provided forensic leads. The remains have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for DNA testing, age profiling, and cause-of-death determination. Investigators are attempting to cross-reference them with old Unnatural Death Reports (UDRs) and missing persons’ complaints, although some archival police records appear to have been altered or missing.
The political and religious sensitivity of the case has added to its complexity. Dharmasthala is a major pilgrimage destination with significant political patronage across party lines. Allegations that earlier probes were halted or compromised under political pressure have led to calls for an independent inquiry. On July 14, the Chairperson of the Karnataka Women’s Commission demanded a fresh probe. Adding to the controversy, a July 18 court order led to the removal of more than 8,800 articles and posts about the case from the internet, prompting outrage and debate over press freedom. The High Court overturned the gag order on August 1, citing the public’s right to information.
Since then, community members who had long remained silent are coming forward. Some are filing fresh complaints about relatives who vanished decades ago. One recent case involves a teenager allegedly buried without official documentation 15 years ago. Human rights groups assisting the SIT believe the investigation may uncover a longstanding pattern of caste-based violence and institutional complicity.
The whistleblower, now under witness protection, continues to assist the SIT on the ground, guiding officers to suspected burial zones. His detailed testimony, maps, and photographs have been instrumental in navigating the terrain and corroborating long-dismissed suspicions. While praised for his bravery, he remains at risk in a case where the stakes include both justice and powerful reputations.
As forensic results await confirmation, and further excavation continues, the case is emerging as one of the most consequential criminal investigations in recent memory. Whether it leads to convictions, reforms, or more unanswered questions remains to be seen. But for now, the soil near Dharmasthala is yielding not only bones, but long-silenced stories of pain and power.
