Mangaluru: A delegation of the Karnataka Rashtra Samiti (KRS) Party visited Dharmasthala on Sunday to demand justice for Sowjanya, whose murder case has remained unresolved for years. The team, led by party leaders, met the victim’s family, paid respects at her memorial, and called for a fresh investigation while criticising lapses in the earlier probe.
Party delegation visits Sowjanya’s family
The KRS delegation visited Sowjanya’s house at Pangala in Dharmasthala, where they interacted with her mother, Kusumavathi, and grandfather, Babu Gowda. The party members later visited the Dharmasthala temple, reaffirming their commitment to pursue justice for the victim and her family.
Ravi Krishna Reddy, founder president of KRS, stated that the party had previously organised a march urging the state government to reinvestigate the case. He emphasised that the investigation should be treated as a special case and handled by a specially constituted police team. “Officers who were part of the earlier investigation must also be included, as there are allegations of improper and unprofessional conduct during the previous probe,” Reddy said.
Demand for special police force and fast-track courts
Deepak Rao, president of KRS, expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to deliver justice. He stressed the need for a dedicated police force to investigate cases involving rape and murder of children and women. “Such cases must be prioritised and handled exclusively by a specialised unit,” he said.
Rao further suggested establishing fast-track courts across the state to ensure timely trials and reduce delays in securing justice. “The conviction rate in crimes against women is alarmingly low. The government must take immediate steps to strengthen the legal system and improve conviction rates,” he added.
Proposal for Sowjanya Women’s Safety Commission
Highlighting the need for institutional reforms, Rao proposed the creation of a Sowjanya Women’s Safety Commission. This body, he said, should be empowered to provide mental and financial support to victims and their families while monitoring the progress of investigations and trials. It should also be authorised to implement safety measures for women and children in public spaces and workplaces.
“The government must draft necessary laws to ensure the commission can effectively protect vulnerable groups and enforce safety protocols,” Rao urged.
Conclusion
The KRS delegation reaffirmed its support for Sowjanya’s family and pledged to continue its fight for justice. The party leaders stressed that the state government must respond urgently by ordering a reinvestigation, creating a specialised police force, and establishing fast-track courts to ensure such cases do not languish without resolution.