BJP holds protest demanding reinvestigation into 2012 Soujanya rape and murder case

BJP holds protest demanding reinvestigation into 2012 Soujanya rape and murder case

Mangalore Today News Network

Belthangady, August 27, 2023: Calling for a fresh inquiry into the 2012 case involving the sexual assault and murder of Sowjanya, the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi district units of BJP staged a demonstration at the Belthangady taluk office on Sunday.

During the rally, Nalin Kumar Kateel, the state President of BJP, conveyed that the party’s legislators from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts will meet Chief Minister and Governor to formally request the state administration to initiate a fresh investigation into the case.

Kateel stated, "The recent acquittal of the sole suspect by the CBI court leaves the critical question of identifying the actual perpetrators unanswered. It is imperative that the true culprits are identified and subjected to the severest punishment. Our stance is unequivocal. The family deserves justice. Any individuals possessing information pertinent to the Sowjanya case will receive protection from the central government if they are prepared to furnish evidence aiding the investigation."

Harish Poonja, the MLA of Belthangady, emphasized, "In the immediate aftermath of the CBI court’s acquittal of the sole suspect, MLC Prathap Simha Nayak and I approached Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging a reexamination of the case. Those responsible for Sowjanya’s tragic demise should face appropriate consequences. Let us collectively beseech divine intervention for justice to be served upon Sowjanya."

Kusumavathi, Sowjanya’s mother, beseeched all lawmakers, both legislators and MPs, to accompany her family to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and implore for a renewed scrutiny of the case. "For the past 11 years, I have tirelessly sought justice," she expressed.

The protest saw the participation of all BJP MLAs and MLCs representing Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.