The Sowjanya Murder Case, which began in 2012, saw a major development on June 16, 2023, when the Bengaluru CBI Court acquitted Santosh Rao, the prime accused. This case left Karnataka in shock and sparked demands for justice. Here’s a detailed look into the case timeline and legal journey.

Sowjanya Murder Case Timeline

The tragedy began on August 9, 2012, when Sowjanya, a college student from Ujire, went missing. Her body was found the next day, leading to a rape and murder investigation. Despite years of legal proceedings, the court acquitted the accused citing lack of evidence.

Disappearance and Body Found in Dharmasthala

On August 9, 2012, Sowjanya disappeared around 4:15 PM. A missing complaint was filed later that night. On October 10, 2012, her body was discovered in Manna Sankha, Dharmasthala, sparking public outrage and demands for accountability.

Initial Arrest and Local Investigation

Santosh Rao was arrested on October 11, 2012, by Belthangadi police. However, allegations of poor investigation and insufficient handling of evidence led to the case being handed over to CID and later to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Transfer to CBI and Court Proceedings

As demands for a fair investigation grew, the case went through the following stages:

Case transferred to CID on November 22, 2012
Further handed to CBI on June 11, 2013
CBI filed FIR CC 203/2016 and submitted a charge sheet in 2017
Trial moved from Mangalore to Bengaluru Sessions Court

Involvement of Other Individuals

During investigations, three other individuals – Udaya Jain, Mallik Jain, and Dheeraj Jain – were subjected to court-ordered tests. However, an application to make them co-accused was dismissed by the High Court in 2021.

Application filed in 2017
High Court dismissed the petition in 2021
No charges brought against the three

Role of Public and Activists

Activists including Odanadi Seva Samsthe consistently pushed for a transparent trial and accountability. Public pressure played a role in bringing the case under CBI’s supervision.

Courtroom Developments and Verdict

Despite examining over 40 witnesses, the court cited lack of solid evidence to convict Santosh Rao. He failed to appear multiple times, adding delays.

Final Verdict from Bengaluru CBI Court

On June 16, 2023, the CBI Court acquitted Santosh Rao, stating that evidence was insufficient to hold him guilty. This brought an official end to the 11-year legal battle.

Questions That Remain Unanswered

The court’s judgment leaves one haunting question –Who really killed Sowjanya? Justice remains elusive, and many believe the truth is yet to surface.