Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady
Beltangady, Sep 9: In a sensational new twist to the long-dormant Sowjanya rape and murder case, well-known social activist Snehamayi Krishna has come forward with explosive allegations, accusing none other than Sowjanya’s own uncle, Vittal Gowda, of being the perpetrator behind the brutal 2012 crime.
Speaking to the media on Monday in Beltangady, Snehamayi Krishna dropped a bombshell, claiming, “The person who raped and murdered Soujanya on October 9, 2012, in Pangala village of Dharmasthala is her maternal uncle, Vitthal Gowda. He must be subjected to a narco-analysis test to uncover the full truth.”
According to Krishna, the time has come to lift the veil of silence surrounding the case. He revealed that he has gathered substantial supplementary evidence, which she plans to formally hand over to the superintendent of police, Dakshina Kannada district, in the coming days.
"I have collected relevant documents and supporting materials that point towards the real culprit. I will be filing a formal complaint and submitting all the evidence to the SP," he told the press.
The Sowjanya case dates back to 2012 and has long been shrouded in controversy and public outrage. Sowjanya, a college student from Dharmasthala, was found raped and murdered under mysterious circumstances—an incident that triggered statewide protests and allegations of a cover-up involving influential individuals.
Though the case has been investigated by multiple agencies over the years, including the CBI, public trust in the investigation has remained low. Many activists have accused authorities of deliberately shielding powerful suspects.
Snehamayi Krishna’s latest revelations have reignited public interest, giving new life to a case that had all but disappeared from the headlines.
While Krishna’s allegations have sent shockwaves through the local community, the police have not yet issued an official response. Legal experts suggest that if the evidence she submits is credible, it could open the door to a fresh probe or even a re-examination of earlier findings.
The activist’s demand for a narco or lie detector test on Vittal Gowda adds further weight to her accusations, although such procedures require court approval and the subject's consent.
Given the sensitivity of the case and the seriousness of the allegations, observers have urged the media and public to exercise caution.
"Allegations of this nature must be treated seriously but also responsibly. The truth must come out through due legal process," said a legal expert familiar with the case.