Mangaluru, July 29, 2025: In a major breakthrough in the high-profile Case No. 39/2025 being handled by the Dharmasthala police station, a pivotal witness has guided the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to 13 potential burial grounds on Monday. These areas of interest are situated in a dense forest near the banks of the Netravati river and are believed to be connected to a series of past criminal actions involving the concealment of human remains.
Witness Identifies Key Locations
Wearing a mask to maintain anonymity, the key witness has led SIT officials on a guided tour to locate various crime scenes within the Mundaje reserve forest, which is approximately 2 kilometers away from the Netravati bathing ghat. The witness has been instrumental in providing precise GPS coordinates for each site, which have been meticulously recorded. The SIT team has taken the additional step of marking these locations with red ribbons and assigning them unique identifiers to ensure they are not lost. The investigation has revealed that eight of the identified spots are positioned alongside the Netravati riverbank, while four are in proximity to the State Highway 37, heading towards the bathing ghat. One site is situated near a small dam that is in close vicinity to the ghat. Notably, all these areas of interest fall within a 1-kilometer radius of the Dharmasthala police station, thus making this particular region the epicenter of the ongoing inquiry. The SIT, collaborating with forensic specialists and Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO), has thoroughly documented these areas through video footage to gather potential evidence.
Stringent Security Measures
The operation proceeded under rigorous security measures, involving the strategic deployment of the Garuda Force and the Special Task Force to maintain a safe environment. The Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) played a crucial role by enforcing a perimeter to limit public access, effectively securing the area. Media representatives were not allowed entry into the forest, ensuring the integrity of the operation remained intact. Throughout the critical site identification process, the witness was accompanied by a substantial security detail to preclude any potential disturbances or interference.
Next Steps: Excavation Awaits Approval
Sources indicate that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is preparing to excavate several marked sites in the forest area, after obtaining the necessary permissions. A senior law enforcement official disclosed that some of these areas could potentially hold multiple human remains, but a definitive confirmation can only be made after the excavation process is completed. The identification efforts are scheduled to proceed on Tuesday, with further locations, such as one located across the Netravati river near Kanyadi, still awaiting inspection.
The SIT's operation has faced challenges due to the dense forest cover, which has obstructed drone footage in certain regions. Despite this, the team, under the leadership of DIG M.N. Anuchet, has managed to survey open terrains using drone cameras. The overall supervision of the investigation is being conducted by Internal Security Division DGP Pranav Mohanty. Additionally, SP Jitendra Kumar Dayal and SP C.A. Simon are also actively involved at the scene. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover more evidence and bring clarity to the disturbing case that has gripped the region.
Background of the Probe
A witness, with a legal entourage, reported to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) office in Belthangady at 10 am on Monday. The SIT, maintaining strict confidentiality, escorted the group to Netravati bathing ghat at 11:50 am to initiate the search operation. A brief intermission for lunch occurred at the Dharmasthala police station before the team resumed their search in the afternoon. Due to diminishing daylight, the search was concluded at approximately 6 pm, postponing further river explorations. Prior to these on-site activities, the SIT conducted thorough interrogations over the weekend at a secure guesthouse in Mallikatte, Mangaluru, to obtain vital information. As the investigation progresses, officials are maintaining discretion regarding the case details, emphasizing its sensitive nature.
Keywords: Dharmasthala Police Station case, Dharmasthala Police Station, SIT probe, Mangaluru crime, burial sites, witness, Netravati river, police investigation, crime scene, GPS marking, forest probe