After more than a decade of investigation and legal proceedings, the Bengaluru CBI Court has delivered its verdict in the Sowjanya Murder Case, a crime that sent shockwaves through the state. Today (June 16), the court acquitted the accused, Santosh Rao, citing a lack of evidence. The case, which began in 2012 with the disappearance and subsequent murder of Sowjanya, has followed a long and complex timeline. Let's delve into the details of this tragic case, from August 9, 2012, to the recent judgment on June 16, 2023.
The Disappearance and Investigation:
On August 9, 2012, Sowjanya, a student at Ujire SDM College, went missing while returning home. A missing complaint was lodged at Belthangadi Police Station later that day. Tragically, on October 10, 2012, Sowjanya's lifeless body was discovered near Dharmasthala. The Belthangadi police arrested Santosh Rao in connection with the case. However, allegations of an inadequate investigation prompted the transfer of the topic to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after persistent efforts.
Timeline of the Case:
The timeline of events in the Sowjanya Murder Case is as follows:
Disappearance and Discovery:
- August 9, 2012: Sowjanya goes missing at 4:15 pm.
- August 9, 2012: Missing complaint was filed at Belthangadi Police Station at 10:30 PM.
- October 10, 2012: Sowjanya's body was found in Manna Sankha, Dharmasthala.
- Case registered by Beltangadi Police under Rape & Murder Act 376/302.
Arrest and Investigations:
- October 11, 2012: Santosh Rao was apprehended by the public and handed over to Beltangadi police.
- An ongoing investigation by Belthangadi Circle Inspector Baskar Rai and PSI Yogeesh Kumar BC.
- Transfer of the case to CID for investigation (November 22, 2012).
- Further case transfer to CBI for investigation (June 11, 2013).
Legal Proceedings:
- CBI files FIR CC 203/2016 and initiates an investigation.
- October 26, 2017: CBI submits a charge sheet against Santosh Rao.
- Examination of 40 witnesses in the CBI Court.
- A trial was conducted initially in Mangalore Session Court and later in Bangalore 50th Additional City Civil & Session Judge Court.
Additional Investigations and Applications:
- Three individuals, Udaya Jain, Mallik Jain, and Dheeraj Jain, undergo tests as per court order.
- Application filed to make the aforementioned individuals co-accused (February 7, 2017).
- High Court dismisses the petition against the three individuals (January 27, 2021).
Acquittal and Final Verdict:
- Accused Santosh Rao fails to appear in court on multiple occasions.
- June 16, 2023: The CBI court delivers its judgment, acquitting the accused due to a lack of evidence.
- Odanadi Seva Samsthe Joins Fight for Justice in Sowjanya Rape and Murder Case
Final Question - Who killed Sowjanya?
The 11-year-long trial in the Sowjanya Murder Case has finally come to an end with the acquittal of Santosh Rao by the Bengaluru CBI Court. While the verdict brings closure to the legal proceedings, it is crucial to reflect on the tragedy that befell Sowjanya and the search for justice that spanned over a decade. The case serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges involved in investigating and prosecuting such heinous crimes and raises important questions about the need for a robust and thorough justice system. The memory of Sowjanya will forever remain in the hearts of those affected, and efforts to prevent similar incidents must continue to ensure the safety and security of every individual in our society.