Mangaluru: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged mass burial case in Dharmasthala reportedly recovered skeletal remains from the forested region of Banglegudda during a search operation on Wednesday. SIT officials declined to comment on the search. A team of more than 50 personnel was split into groups, and they began the search operation around 11:30 am, which continued for seven hours despite rain. SPs Jitendra Kumar Dayama and C A Simon were present during the search operation. Vittal Gowda, the uncle of Sowjanya, who was murdered in 2012, had claimed that multiple human remains were found at Banglegudda in Dharmasthala. In a video that went viral recently, he alleged that human remains were found during a spot mahazar conducted by the SIT. Besides human remains, articles used for ‘vamachara’ (black magic) were also found at the spot, he claimed. The SIT, on Sept 10, revisited Banglegudda. SIT sources confirmed that skeletal remains were found at Banglegudda, at a spot shown by Vittal Gowda. He was questioned by SIT in connection with the skull that was deposited by complainant Chinnayya, who was remanded in judicial custody. He is currently lodged in Shivamogga jail.Sources said a rope, walking stick, identity card and a bottle of a poison were found during the search.Case filed against activistBelthangady police have registered a case against activist Mahesh Shetty Thimarody under various sections of the Arms Act, following a complaint by the SIT. Dakshina Kannada SP Arun K said on Aug 26, the SIT officers, powered by a search warrant, raided Thimarody’s house in Ujire village. Thimarody, meanwhile, has filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission, claiming police excesses, political targeting, and gross violation of his fundamental rights in connection with a case filed against him at the Bramhavar police station. One firearm and two swords were recovered from Thimarody’s house.
