Dharmasthala skeleton case: DNA tests confirms identity of three victims

Dharmasthala skeleton case: DNA tests confirms identity of three victims

Mangalore Today News Network

Beltangady, July 30, 2026: The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has confirmed the identities of three of the seven skeletal remains recovered by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) during excavations at Banglegudde in Dharmasthala village through DNA analysis.

The skeletal remains were unearthed during a two-day search operation conducted by the SIT on September 17 and 18, 2025, at Banglegudde near the Netravati bathing ghat. The search was carried out based on information provided by Vithal Gowda, uncle of Sowjanya. Along with the skeletal remains, investigators recovered a few identity cards, which helped trace the suspected families.

DNA samples from the relatives were collected before the Beltangady court and sent to the FSL for analysis. The laboratory has now confirmed matches for three of the recovered skeletons.

The victims have been identified as U.B. Aiyappa (70) of T. Shettigeri village in Virajpet taluk, Kodagu district; Adishesha Narayana (27) of Dasarakallahalli in Gubbi taluk, Tumakuru district; and Krishnappa (85) of Meesaganahalli in Srinivaspur taluk, Kolar district.

According to available records, Aiyappa had travelled to a hospital in Mysuru for treatment on June 25, 2017, but never returned home. His family later filed a missing person complaint at the Srimangala police station in Kodagu.

Adishesha Narayana, who worked at a bar in Bengaluru, returned to his native village on October 2, 2013, left his mobile phone at home, and went missing. As he had a habit of leaving home for extended periods, his family reportedly did not file a missing complaint.

Krishnappa, who rarely ventured outside due to his age, walked out of his house on October 22, 2024, and never returned. His family subsequently lodged a missing person complaint at the Srinivaspur police station.

Following the DNA confirmation, the families can now claim the skeletal remains by submitting an application to the SIT. Officials submitted a report confirming the identities of the three victims through DNA evidence to the Beltangady court on July 15.