Sowjanya case: New SIT begins reinvestigation with first meeting in Mangaluru

Mangaluru: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted to conduct a further investigation into the Sowjanya rape and murder case, registered at the Beltangady police station 14 years ago, has begun its work with senior officers reviewing the case records and preparing a roadmap for the reinvestigation.

The newly constituted SIT arrived in Mangaluru on Thursday and held its first meeting after inspecting the office set up for the team. The development follows the Supreme Court’s direction to the Karnataka government to conduct a fresh investigation through a new team of officers, excluding members of the earlier SIT, and submit a report within the stipulated period.

The state government subsequently constituted the new SIT under the leadership of Inspector General of Police (IGP) N Shashikumar.

New SIT office inspected in Mangaluru

SIT members who arrived in Mangaluru in the morning included Intelligence Division SP Nisha James and CID SP Lokesh Jagalsar.

The officers first inspected the newly established SIT office located in the old Deputy Commissioner’s Office complex near State Bank in Mangaluru. The premises have been prepared to facilitate the investigation and related administrative work.

The officers later visited the office of Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy and held discussions with him.

The meetings and inspections formed part of the initial arrangements for the new investigation team, which has been tasked with examining the case afresh.

A portion of the Special Task Force office on the second floor of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office complex has been converted into the SIT office. Investigation-related work is expected to be carried out from the premises.

SIT chief holds meeting with officers

In the afternoon, SIT chief N Shashikumar visited the newly established office and held a meeting with the investigation team.

Four senior officers and 16 assistant officers participated in the meeting, according to sources.

The meeting focused on reviewing the existing case material and planning the next stage of the investigation. Sources said the officers examined the old case files and prepared a roadmap for further investigation.

Responsibilities relating to different aspects of the investigation were also assigned to the officers during the meeting.

Another IPS officer included in the SIT, Venkatesh Prasanna, was absent during the meeting.

The review of the existing records is expected to form an important part of the initial phase of the reinvestigation, as the new team begins examining the material connected with the case.

Team visits Beltangady

The new SIT also travelled to Beltangady, where the case was originally registered.

SIT officers Nisha James and Lokesh Jagalsar inspected the office established near the Beltangady police station before leaving for Mangaluru.

The visit provided the officers with an opportunity to examine the local arrangements and facilities associated with the investigation.

The earlier SIT team that investigated the case had operated from an office located at the police quarters near the Beltangady police station. The earlier investigation included allegations and issues connected with the burial of a body in Dharmasthala village.

The office used by the earlier team is now being considered as a possible location from which the new SIT could also conduct part of its investigation.

Supreme Court direction leads to fresh investigation

The constitution of the new SIT follows the Supreme Court’s direction for a fresh investigation into the case.

The court directed the state government to appoint new officers for the investigation and specifically excluded members of the previous SIT from the new team. The state has been asked to submit a report within the period stipulated by the court.

The new investigation is therefore being undertaken by a separate team led by IGP N Shashikumar.

The SIT will now examine the available case records and other relevant material as part of the further investigation. The team will also be responsible for carrying out investigative steps considered necessary in accordance with the court’s directions.

Investigation to proceed from Mangaluru and Beltangady

The establishment of offices in Mangaluru and the arrangements at Beltangady are expected to facilitate the SIT’s work across the two locations.

Mangaluru will serve as an important administrative and coordination centre for the team, while Beltangady remains significant because the original case was registered there and the locality is connected with the investigation.

The presence of officers from the Intelligence Division, CID and other units under the SIT is intended to provide the team with the personnel required to undertake the investigation.

The first meeting has now set the initial framework for the work, with officers reviewing the old records and receiving responsibilities for different aspects of the investigation.

Further investigation begins

The Sowjanya case dates back 14 years and has remained the subject of legal proceedings and public attention. With the Supreme Court directing a fresh investigation through a new team, the latest SIT has begun the process of examining the case afresh.

The initial steps have included setting up the office, inspecting facilities in Mangaluru and Beltangady, meeting senior police officials and reviewing the existing case files.

The SIT’s roadmap and allocation of responsibilities will guide the next stages of the investigation. The team will proceed with further investigative work while adhering to the directions and reporting requirements laid down by the Supreme Court.

The establishment of the new SIT marks the formal beginning of the fresh investigation into the long-pending case, with the team now expected to examine the available material and undertake further investigation in accordance with the court’s directions.