Sowjanya murder case: New SIT chief holds 2-hour meeting, visits crime scene in Belthangady

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangluru, Nov 3, 2026: Newly appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) chief Chethan Singh Rathor visited the SIT office in Mangaluru on Monday and held discussions with Kusumavathi, mother of Sowjanya, as part of the renewed investigation into the 2012 rape and murder of the 17-year-old girl in Dharmasthala.

Kusumavathi visited the SIT office accompanied by family members, including Purandara Gowda, Sowjanya’s uncle and the complainant in the case, another uncle Vittal Gowda, and relatives Jagadish Gowda and Yashoda.

This was Rathor’s first visit to the SIT office since taking charge. He also held a meeting with SIT Deputy Inspector General Sudheer Kumar Reddy CH, investigating officer and Superintendent of Police Lokesh Jagalasar, and SP Nisha James.

The meeting, which lasted over two hours, focused on various aspects of the reinvestigation, including the collection of evidence in the case dating back 14 years.

After meeting Sowjanya’s family, the SIT chief visited Mannasanka in Dharmasthala village of Belthangady taluk, where her body was found. He inspected the spot as part of the investigation.

Sources said the process of recording statements of individuals relevant to the investigation was continuing.

Investigators are also reviewing statements recorded during the earlier investigation and examining various other aspects of the case, sources added.