Dharmasthala mass burial probe: Bills for excavation work, labourers still unpaid

Dharmasthala mass burial probe: Bills for excavation work, labourers still unpaid

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, May 14, 2026: Bills related to excavation work and labour charges incurred during the investigation into the alleged mass burial case in Dharmasthala village are yet to be cleared.

The State government had constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case. During July and August 2025, exhumation and searches for human remains were carried out in several locations, including forest areas in Dharmasthala village. At the request of the SIT, the Dharmasthala Gram Panchayat arranged labourers, earthmover machines and other materials required for clearing vegetation and digging operations in the forests.

Sources said that wages amounting to Rs 1.06 lakh for workers involved in digging are still pending, while Rs 71,500 remains unpaid for earthmover excavation work. In addition, bills worth Rs 24,000 for materials supplied during the operation are also yet to be settled.

According to sources, the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat has informed the Dharmasthala Gram Panchayat that these expenses cannot be paid from panchayat funds. The panchayat has since forwarded the bills to the SIT for further action.

SIT chief Pronab Mohanty said the team was unaware that payments for excavation machinery and labourers engaged in the investigation were still pending.

“This amount certainly has to be paid. We will discuss the matter with the government and take steps to ensure the payment is made,” he said.