Dharmasthala, 29 July

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Tuesday began exhuming suspected human remains in a forested area near the Netravati bathing ghat in Dharmashtala, amid tight security following the allegations of mass burials.

The operation was launched in the presence of the complainant, who had earlier pinpointed specific locations allegedly used for illegal burials, they said.

Forensic experts from KMC Hospital, Mangaluru--Dr Jagadish Rao and Dr Rashmi--joined the team for the scientific recovery of skeletal remains, police said.

According to police, the site was identified during a preliminary inspection on Monday.

Under the supervision of Puttur Assistant Commissioner Stella Varghese and aided by a dozen labourers, the team initiated the exhumation process early Tuesday and went on till late afternoon.

The investigating team, however, did not disclose if they recovered any human remains.

Personnel from the Revenue, Forest, Forensic, Anti-Naxal Force, Internal Security, and local police departments provided support and security.

Security has been tightened in Dharmasthala in Dakshina Kannada district, amid concerns over witness safety and possible tampering of evidence.

The SIT was constituted by the State government to probe the confessions of a former sanitation worker who claimed to have buried hundreds of bodies, many of whom showed signs of sexual violence.