Karnataka BJP seeks reinvestigation into 2012 Sowjanya murder case

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, August 13, 2023: Nalin Kumar Kateel, the President of Karnataka’s BJP, has urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to initiate a fresh inquiry into the death of Sowjanya in Dharmasthala.

Sowjanya was a victim of sexual assault and murder in 2012. Despite the case being handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the family of the victim remained deprived of justice, Kateel informed the media on Saturday.

Kateel pressed for the apprehension of all those responsible for the heinous crime and stressed the importance of stern action against them. He highlighted that the CBI had acquitted the lone suspect, Santhosh Rao, who was initially arrested by the state police right after the murder.

By reopening the investigation and conducting a comprehensive inquiry, the state government would be able to address the lingering questions concerning the murder, according to Kateel.

"Our stance on this case is unequivocal. We seek justice solely for Sowjanya’s family. The BJP plans to hold a demonstration advocating the reinvestigation of Sowjanya’s murder in Belthangady on August 27. The protest will involve all BJP MLAs, MLCs, and MPs from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. Subsequently, a delegation of BJP legislators will meet the Chief Minister and the Governor on the subsequent day to demand a reinvestigation into the case," Kateel stated.

Following Santhosh Rao’s acquittal by the CBI court, Harish Poonja, the MLA for Belthangady, and MLC Prathap Simha Nayak joined forces, advocating for a comprehensive examination of the murder.

In response to inquiries about a "defamatory campaign" targeting Dharmasthala under the guise of Sowjanya’s case, Kateel clarified, "Our struggle is solely focused on seeking justice for Sowjanya. We are determined to see the actual perpetrators brought to justice."