MANGALURU: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the mass grave allegations began its sixth day of excavation at the marked burial sites at a Hindu pilgrimage centre in Karnataka's Mangaluru on Monday.
The authorities were digging at the 11th site using a mini earth mover.
The whistleblower and complainant in the case had earlier identified a total of 13 suspected mass burial sites. The SIT has completed excavation at 10 of those 13 locations.
Excavation work was carried out until Saturday, with a break given to workers on Sunday. According to SIT sources, they aim to complete digging at all 13 sites by the end of the day. The operation is being conducted under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner (Revenue) Stella Varghese.
The excavation gained significance after skeletal remains were allegedly recovered from Burial Site No. 6 last Thursday. According to SIT sources, 10 to 12 bones -- believed to be from hands and legs -- were recovered from the forested area, along with a skull bone.
This discovery is believed to mark a potential turning point in the ongoing investigation into the alleged mass graves in the temple town.
At each burial site, authorities are initially digging an area of 5x6 feet. If any evidence is found, further steps will be determined. The 11th and 12th burial sites are located close to each other, while the 13th site lies a bit farther away, near the banks of the River Nethravathi. The area has been screened with green covers for security and privacy.
Apart from the alleged recovery of bones at the sixth burial site, authorities have not found any other substantial evidence to support the claims made by the whistleblower and unidentified complainant. The excavation is being conducted in the presence of the complainant.
The SIT has not issued any official statement yet regarding the findings.