QUETTA: Eleven mutilated bodies were found in an area in Khuzdar district on Monday, raising the number of such bodies recovered in the area to 13.

Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti confirmed to Dawn that 13 bodies had been found in Totak area over the past three days. Two bodies and some human limbs had been found at the place three days ago.

“Seven bodies were found in one grave and six in the other. Most of them were completely decomposed and beyond recognition,” Mr Bugti said. He said the bodies had been buried after taking samples for their DNA tests because it was the only way to identify them.

According to a senior official, two of the bodies were found partially buried, with some parts lying on the surface. The two bodies have been kept in the district hospital of Khuzdar for autopsy. A medical board has been constituted and it will proceed to Khuzdar on Tuesday for post-mortem.

The minister denied media reports saying that ‘dozens’ of bodies had been found.