Dharmasthala Case Deepens: SIT Unearths Five Skulls and 100 Bones in Grim Forest Discovery

In a significant and disturbing development surrounding the ongoing investigation into the Dharmasthala Sowjanya rape and murder case, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has made a grim discovery. A search operation in the remote Banglegudde forest area of Neriya village, located within the Beltangady taluk, led to the recovery of five human skulls and approximately 100 other human bones.

The extensive search operation, which spanned several days and involved a large contingent of police personnel, forensic experts, and local guides, focused on densely forested and challenging terrain.

The area, known for its thick undergrowth and secluded nature, presented a formidable task for the investigative team.

Sources within the SIT indicate that these skeletal remains have been meticulously collected and promptly dispatched to the forensic science laboratory for comprehensive analysis.

The primary objective of this analysis is to determine the age, gender, and estimated time of death of the individuals, as well as to identify any potential links to missing persons cases or, critically, to the high-profile Sowjanya case that has gripped public attention for over a decade.

This latest discovery follows previous instances where human remains were found in various locations across the region, further complicating the already intricate investigation.

The sheer volume of bones recovered in Banglegudde suggests the possibility of multiple individuals, adding another layer of mystery and concern to the ongoing probe.

The Sowjanya case, which dates back to 2012, involves the brutal rape and murder of a 17-year-old student, Sowjanya. Despite initial investigations and arrests, public outcry and persistent demands for a re-investigation led to the formation of the SIT.

The case has become a symbol of the struggle for justice in Karnataka, with numerous protests and public gatherings demanding accountability and a conclusive resolution.

The recovery of these human remains is anticipated to provide crucial evidence, potentially shedding new light on the long-standing mystery.

Investigators are hopeful that forensic examination will yield definitive answers that could either confirm or rule out connections to the Sowjanya case, or potentially uncover entirely new aspects of criminal activity in the region. The community watches with bated breath as the SIT continues its painstaking work, striving to bring closure and justice to the victims and their families.