Beltangady: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has intensified its investigation into the murder of Dharmasthala college student Sowjanya following the Supreme Court’s order for a reinvestigation. As part of the renewed probe, SIT officials arrived in Beltangady on Friday and collected a blood sample from Sowjanya’s mother, Kusumavati, for DNA analysis.
A team from the SIT office in Mangaluru, led by investigating officer Lokesh P Jagalasar and ACP Manoj Kumar Naik, reached the Beltangady Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court at around 4.30 pm on October 23.
Kusumavati was brought to the court premises for the procedure, which was conducted in the presence of JMFC judge Shashank Nagendra Bhat and two government witnesses.
Blood sample collected for DNA analysis
The blood sample collection was carried out at the Beltangady JMFC court premises under the medical supervision of Dr Asha Latha from the Beltangady taluk government hospital.
The procedure forms part of the evidence-gathering process in the reinvestigation into Sowjanya’s death. DNA analysis can help investigators establish biological identity or examine potential links between individuals and evidence, depending on the samples and questions involved in the investigation.
The presence of the judge and government witnesses during the procedure ensured that the sample collection took place in an official setting.
SIT steps up investigation following Supreme Court order
The SIT’s visit to Beltangady comes amid renewed investigative activity following the Supreme Court’s order for a reinvestigation into the high-profile Sowjanya murder case.
The team arrived equipped with technical equipment, including laptops and printers, indicating preparations for its investigative work in the area.
The latest development has drawn attention to the renewed efforts to examine evidence connected with the case. However, the specific findings expected from the DNA analysis and the further investigative steps planned by the SIT have not been disclosed in the information available.
The collection of Kusumavati’s blood sample is one of the procedures being undertaken as investigators pursue the court-directed reinvestigation.
Sowjanya case remains under scrutiny
Sowjanya, a college student from the Dharmasthala region, was murdered in a case that has attracted considerable public attention. Questions surrounding the case have continued to draw scrutiny, making the latest investigative developments significant for her family and those following the proceedings.
The SIT’s renewed activity in Beltangady marks a further step in the investigation. The outcome of the DNA analysis and any additional evidence gathered by investigators may inform the next stages of the probe.
Further details regarding the investigation are awaited.