Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara announced on Monday (October 27, 2025) that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged mysterious deaths and burials in Dharmasthala has been directed to submit its final report without further delay.
“The SIT has indicated their readiness to submit the comprehensive report this October. While they aim to deliver it before October 31st, a slight delay of a day or two might occur,” the Home Minister informed reporters.
He further elaborated that the SIT’s final submission would incorporate critical findings from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) regarding the bones uncovered during the excavation, alongside a detailed chemical analysis report.
The Controversial Background of the Dharmasthala Case
The controversy first erupted following claims by a complainant, C.N. Chinnaiah (who was later arrested on charges of perjury), that he had buried numerous bodies, including those of women showing signs of sexual assault, in Dharmasthala over two decades. These allegations cast a shadow over the administration of the prominent local temple.
In response, the state government formed the SIT, which initiated extensive excavation efforts at various locations identified by Chinnaiah. These sites were primarily within the forested areas bordering the Netravathi River in Dharmasthala. During these sensitive operations, skeletal remains were indeed discovered at two distinct locations.
More recently, the SIT’s ongoing search operation in the Banglegudde forest area, close to the Nethravathi bathing ghat, yielded additional skeletal remains, including two more skulls. These discoveries underscore the complexity and gravity of the ongoing investigation.
(Inputs from PTI contributed to this report.)