Mahesh Thimarodi welcomes fresh probe into Soujanya case

Mangaluru: Activist Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi has welcomed the Supreme Court’s order directing a fresh investigation into the 2012 rape and murder of Soujanya in Ujire near Dharmasthala, describing it as a significant development after 14 years of campaigning for a reinvestigation.

The Supreme Court passed the order on September 21, directing that the fresh investigation be completed within three months.

Addressing a press conference in Mangaluru, Thimarodi said the prolonged campaign for a reinvestigation had finally resulted in the Supreme Court ordering a fresh probe into the case.

‘Major step forward after 14 years’

Thimarodi said the Supreme Court’s direction marked a major step forward in efforts to establish the facts surrounding Soujanya’s death.

He said the 14-year-long struggle had ultimately led to the apex court directing a fresh investigation and expressed hope that the new probe would address questions that remained surrounding the case.

Thimarodi said he was confident that the fresh investigation would help establish the facts, irrespective of which investigating agency was entrusted with the task.

He added that any shortcomings noticed during the course of the investigation would be brought to the attention of the Supreme Court.

Justice March planned from Ujire to Belthangady

Thimarodi also announced a ‘Nyayada Nadege’ (Justice March) from Ujire to Belthangady on October 10.

The march will mark 14 years since Soujanya’s death, he said.

According to Thimarodi, a team of advocates from the Supreme Court and Karnataka High Court will participate in the march.

The programme is intended to highlight the continuing demand for justice and the need for the facts surrounding the case to be established through the fresh investigation.

Reference to Santhosh Rao acquittal

Thimarodi also referred to Santhosh Rao, who was acquitted by a special CBI court in 2023 in connection with the case.

He said two investigative agencies had already given Rao a clean chit. The Karnataka High Court later dismissed the CBI’s challenge to his acquittal, according to reports referred to by Thimarodi.

Thimarodi said the developments concerning Rao should also be considered in the context of the fresh investigation.

He alleged that shortcomings in the earlier investigations had been highlighted by the courts and expressed hope that the new probe would establish the circumstances surrounding Soujanya’s death and identify those responsible.

Five-member SIT formed for reinvestigation

Following the Supreme Court’s direction, the Karnataka government has constituted a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to carry out the reinvestigation.

The SIT is headed by IGP N Shashi Kumar and has been given three months to complete the probe and submit its report.

The fresh investigation is expected to examine the case afresh in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directions.

Thimarodi said he would continue to monitor the investigation and raise any concerns about its conduct before the appropriate forum.

The Supreme Court’s order and the constitution of the SIT have brought renewed attention to the Soujanya case, which has remained a subject of public debate for more than a decade. The fresh probe is now expected to examine the available evidence and circumstances surrounding the 2012 case before submitting its findings within the stipulated period.