Dharmasthala burial case DNA test confirms identities of three missing persons as SIT investigation progresses
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Dharmasthala burial case has confirmed the identities of three skeletons recovered during excavation at Banglegudde through DNA testing. The remains were matched with DNA samples collected from relatives of three missing men from Kodagu, Tumakuru, and Kolar districts. The findings form part of the ongoing investigation into allegations of illegal burials in the Dharmasthala region.
Mangaluru: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating allegations related to the Dharmasthala burial case has confirmed the identities of three skeletons recovered during excavation at Banglegudde in Belthangady taluk of Dakshina Kannada district through DNA testing.
According to the SIT, DNA profiles generated from the recovered skeletal remains matched DNA samples collected from the relatives of three missing persons. The findings have been documented in the investigation report submitted by the SIT as part of the ongoing probe into allegations of multiple burials in the Dharmasthala region.
The confirmation marks one of the key developments in the investigation, linking recovered human remains with previously registered missing person cases from different districts of Karnataka.
Dharmasthala Burial Case DNA Test Confirms Three Identities
The SIT identified the three individuals as:
- U.B. Ayyappa (70), a resident of T. Shettigeri village in Virajpet taluk, Kodagu district.
- Adishesh Narayan (27), a resident of Dasarakallahalli in Gubbi taluk, Tumakuru district.
- Krishnappa (85), a resident of Meesaganahalli village in Srinivasapura taluk, Kolar district.
Investigators compared DNA samples collected from the family members of the missing individuals with samples extracted from the skeletal remains recovered during excavation at Banglegudde.
The laboratory analysis established a genetic match in all three cases, enabling investigators to confirm the identities of the recovered remains.
"DNA samples collected from relatives matched the DNA profiles obtained from the three skeletons recovered during the SIT excavation," the investigation report states.
The SIT has indicated that family members may be permitted to claim the skeletal remains after completing the required legal procedures and upon submitting a request to the investigating agency.
SIT Findings and Investigation Update
The DNA findings were included in the report submitted by the SIT on July 15. The investigation continues into allegations concerning bodies allegedly buried in the Dharmasthala area.
The confirmation of identities establishes that the three skeletons identified through DNA testing belong to male individuals.
The development comes during an investigation that began following allegations that several bodies had been buried in the vicinity of Dharmasthala. The SIT has been conducting excavations at Banglegudde as part of its inquiry.
The three DNA-confirmed skeletal remains have been identified as male individuals based on forensic examination and DNA analysis.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not announced any conclusions regarding other skeletal remains recovered during the excavation.
Missing Person Cases Linked to Dharmasthala Skeletons
The investigation has connected the recovered skeletons with missing person cases registered in different parts of Karnataka.
U.B. Ayyappa Missing Case
U.B. Ayyappa, aged 70, from Kodagu district, travelled to Mysuru for medical treatment on June 25, 2017. He did not return home after the visit.
His family later registered a missing person complaint at the Srimangala Police Station under the Kutta Circle.
The DNA examination has now confirmed that one of the skeletons recovered during the Banglegudde excavation belongs to Ayyappa.
Adishesh Narayan Missing Case
Adishesh Narayan, aged 27, worked at a bar in Bengaluru. According to the investigation, he returned to his native village in Gubbi taluk of Tumakuru district and went missing on October 2, 2013.
His mobile phone was left behind before his disappearance. Family members initially did not file a missing complaint because they believed he would return, as he had previously left home on multiple occasions.
Subsequent DNA testing has established that one of the recovered skeletons belongs to Adishesh Narayan.
Krishnappa Missing Case
Krishnappa, aged 85, from Meesaganahalli village in Srinivasapura taluk, had been staying at home due to his age.
He left his residence on October 22, 2024, and did not return. His family later filed a missing person complaint at Srinivasapura Police Station.
DNA comparison has now confirmed that another skeleton recovered during the SIT excavation belongs to Krishnappa.
Background of the Dharmasthala Mass Burial Case
The Dharmasthala mass burial case came into public focus in July 2025 after a sanitation worker, C.N. Chinnayya, submitted a complaint alleging that he had been forced to dispose of several bodies while working for the Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara temple administration between 1995 and 2014. He claimed that bodies had been buried or burnt at multiple locations in and around Dharmasthala and identified 13 locations where he alleged human remains could be found. The allegations attracted statewide attention and led to demands for an independent investigation.
Following the complaint, the Karnataka Government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the allegations. The SIT carried out excavations at several locations identified by the complainant. During the investigation, most excavation sites did not yield human remains. However, at Banglegudde (Site No. 6), investigators recovered skeletal remains, which were sent for forensic examination and DNA analysis.
The latest DNA analysis has confirmed that three of the recovered skeletons belong to U.B. Ayyappa of Kodagu district, Adishesh Narayan of Tumakuru district, and Krishnappa of Kolar district, all of whom had previously been reported missing by their families. The SIT's investigation into other aspects of the case continues, and authorities are yet to announce the final outcome regarding the remaining allegations or any further forensic findings.
