SIT probing Dharmasthala mass burial case 'finds 7 skulls'

MANGALURU: At least seven skulls, mostly of middle-aged men, were recovered by the SIT probing the alleged Dharmasthala mass burial case in Banglegudda in Karnataka's Dakshina Kannada district.

SIT sources said five skulls were recovered Wednesday and two on Thursday. They said the skulls were likely a year old, adding forensic tests might throw more light. One source indicated these could be suicide cases. Personnel from Anti-Naxal Force , supported by police and forest officers, combed nearly 12 acres of the forested area. CN Chinnayya, the complainant in the case who was later arrested on charges of perjury and remanded in judicial custody, was brought to a Belthangady court Thursday to record his statement. He will next appear before court on Sept 23.

Meanwhile, Karnataka high court on Thursday asked petitioners to place on record any independent information regarding alleged burial of bodies in Dharmasthala. Justice M Nagaprasanna issued the directive while adjourning hearing to Sept 26.