NGO slams Home Minister Parameshwara’s remarks on Sowjanya rape-murder case

NGO slams Home Minister Parameshwara’s remarks on Sowjanya rape-murder case

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, August 20, 2023: Odanadi, an NGO working against sexual violence against women and children, slammed Home Minister G Parameshwara’s remarks on the 2012 Sowjanya rape-murder case, calling it “childish”.

Parameshwara said Saturday that the government will not re-investigate the case. “The case is a closed chapter. There are discussions in the public domain. But the case is legally over… The government has no role in this. In the public domain, some people are demanding that the case be reopened… The government has not taken any decision nor will it take anytime soon,” the minister said.

Responding to it at an event in Mysuru, Odanadi convenor Stanley termed the remarks ‘childish’ and advised Parameshwara to consult experts on the issue before making such statements. “There are movements being held across the state demanding justice in the case. Odanadi has written to the Human Rights Commission, which has registered a complaint. If the Home Minister does not have information about it, let him ask his Advocate General,” he said.

Last year, Odanadi had filed a complaint against Muruga Mutt seer Dr Shivamurthy Sharanaru after some minors accused him of rape and sexual harassment.

The movement seeking justice for the Dharmasthala rape victim intensified after the acquittal of the accused in June. Protests were held in different parts of the state demanding justice for the family by arresting those behind the crime. The victim’s family has maintained that the real culprits are still roaming free.