Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady (VM)
Beltangady, Nov 18: The state government has handed over the investigation into the brutal rape and murder of 17-year-old Sowjanya to CoD, sources said.
Sowjanya was found raped and murdered at Pangala in Dharmasthala last month. The case had shook the entire district, and coming under public pressure, police had arrested Santhosh Rao, a mentally ill person, soon after the incident.
Police also filed various charges against him as the sole accused in the case. Various doubts have emerged since then over involvement of more hands. A number of protests have been held in the district especially in Dharmasthala demanding justice.
While Sowjanya's parents have been demanding CBI or CoD probe right from day one, support has also come from other quarters as well. Sri Esha Vittaldasa Swamiji of Kemar Math was one of the first among prominent persons to visit the family and publicly call for thorough investigation into the case by higher agencies.
Dr Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala too had urged for CoD probe in the matter, following which the state government conceded to the request and ordered further investigation by the CoD.