Dharmasthala Case: SIT Reveals Sowjanya’s maternal uncle First Retrieved Skull from Forest

Dharmasthala Case: SIT Reveals Sowjanya’s maternal uncle First Retrieved Skull from Forest

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Sep 7, 2025: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the sensational Dharmasthala case has made a significant revelation during interrogation, pointing to the role of Sowjanya’s maternal uncle in handling crucial evidence.

According to SIT sources, Vittal Gowda, Sowjanya’s maternal uncle, was the first to recover the skull linked to the case from the forest area near the Netravati bathing ghat in Dharmasthala village. This disclosure came to light during sustained questioning of the accused and witnesses in custody.

On Saturday night, the SIT, along with Vittal Gowda, conducted a spot mahazar at the Netravati bathing ghat to reconstruct the sequence of events. Investigators believe the forest stretch at Banglagudde, close to the ghat, holds significant forensic importance in understanding the circumstances of the case.

Officials said Gowda retrieved the skull from Banglagudde forest and handed it over to Chinnayya, a former sanitation worker and complainant in the case who is currently in judicial custody. The discovery is expected to shed more light on the chain of custody and possible tampering with vital evidence.

The SIT is now examining the reasons behind Gowda’s actions—whether they were carried out under pressure, in good faith, or as part of an attempt to influence the probe. Investigators are also scrutinizing the circumstances under which the skull was located, recovered, and passed on, while working to confirm its forensic authenticity and connection to the crime.

The Dharmasthala case, which has drawn widespread public and media attention, continues to unravel with new revelations. The SIT, working under judicial oversight, has intensified its investigation through field inspections, forensic analysis, and repeated interrogations of key individuals.

Authorities indicated that further developments are expected in the coming days as the SIT pieces together the sequence of events surrounding the recovery and handling of the evidence.