Mangaluru: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Karnataka government to reinvestigate the Sowjanya rape and murder case held a meeting in Mangaluru on Tuesday, following the Supreme Court’s direction for a fresh probe.
The meeting was held at the SIT office on the second floor of the old Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner’s office building. The proceedings were led by SIT chief and Inspector General of Police N Shashikumar.
According to sources, the SIT team is expected to visit Belthangady within the next two days as part of the renewed investigation.
Supreme Court orders fresh investigation
The Supreme Court recently directed a fresh investigation into the case and instructed the Karnataka government to constitute an SIT and submit a compliance report within three months.
Following the court’s order, the state government formed the SIT under the leadership of IGP N Shashikumar to undertake the investigation.
The team’s meeting in Mangaluru marks an important step in organising the next phase of the probe. The expected visit to Belthangady is likely to form part of the team’s efforts to examine the case and determine further investigative steps.
Sowjanya case dates back to 2012
Sowjanya, a 17-year-old girl, was raped and murdered in Dharmasthala in Belthangady taluk on October 9, 2012. The case has remained a matter of significant public attention in Karnataka.
The Supreme Court’s direction has led to the formation of a fresh investigative team, which is now preparing to take up the matter in accordance with the court’s instructions.
Further details about the SIT’s visit to Belthangady and the subsequent course of the investigation are awaited.