KARNATAKA: Digging at the marked burial sites continued for the third consecutive day on Thursday, despite rain, under the supervision of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in connection with the mass grave allegations at a prominent pilgrimage centre in Mangaluru district.
Of the 13 marked burial sites, excavation work is currently underway at sites numbered 6, 7, and 8.
Civic workers are being deployed to carry out the digging, while tehsildars, forensic science experts, and the complainant are also present at the site for monitoring.
SIT Chief Pronab Mohanty has stated that nothing has been recovered from the burial sites excavated so far.
However, reports have surfaced that sleuths recovered a red torn blouse and a PAN card belonging to a woman named Lakshmi from the first burial site.
Additionally, the whistleblower and complainant in the case has reportedly submitted a skull — allegedly excavated from the burial site — to the SIT.
Meanwhile, sources have said that the SIT has sought a list of police officers who have served at the Dharmasthala police station since 1995. The team is also collecting information on missing women and girls from across the state.
Reacting to the controversy surrounding SIT chief Pronab Mohanty’s name being shortlisted for central deputation, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated in Bengaluru that if he is deputed to central services, he will be replaced as SIT Chief.