Bantwal Sowmya murder case : Special Court convicts accused Satish

Mangalore Today News Network

 Mangaluru, Dec 3, 2014 : The Sixth Additional District and Sessions Court which is also the Special Court to  hear cases of sexual crimes,  has convicted one Satish of Bantwal in  the  case of attempted rape and murder of a young girl named Sowmya in Baltila village of Bantwal in February last year. The quantum of punishment is likely to be announced on December 5.

In fact, Satish was arrested on suspicion no sooner the murder came to light on February 24, 2013. He was convicted under IPC Sections 302, 376, 511, 392 and 201, for murder, attempt to rape and for destroying of evidences. A total of 26 witnesses were heard in the case and the judgement was delivered based on the statement of the witnesses, medical reports and the police investigation.

 
 Sowmya who hailed from a poor family  and had completed a D.Ed course amid difficulties had  got a job in Manipal just a fortnight before her death. On that fateful day, Sowmya who used to stay at her aunt’s house in Udupi was on way to Baltila to her parental home to collect some certificates when Satish allegedly accosted her and attempted to outrage her modesty and later  killed her.

Meanwhile, her mobile phone which was lying nearby was spotted by a neighbour who answered the call when Sowmya’s sister called  to know Sowmya’s whereabouts as she had not reached home. When they realised Sowmya was missing, a search was launched and her body with injury marks was found near the pond.

Based on revelations made by a few locals who had spotted Satish lurking in the area, the police arrested Satish from the Baltila  bus stop. He  later confessed to the crime and the chain of Sowmya which he had stolen was  recovered from his house.

During investigation it also came to light that Satish had tried to molest Sowmya once earlier too  but  a complaint was not lodged as he had   promised not to repeat such acts.