Over a decade after the disappearance and tragic killing of 17‑year‑old Sowjanya in 2012, the case remains mired in mystery, controversy, and unanswered questions. The Bengaluru CBI Court acquitted Santosh Rao on June 16, 2023, citing insufficient evidence. But the story did not end there. Recent developments have reignited public attention, fueling calls for a fresh investigation.
A Decade of Trauma and Legal Battles
- August 9, 2012: Sowjanya, a student at Ujire’s SDM College, vanished while returning home. The family filed a missing person’s report at Belthangady police station that night.
- October 10, 2012: Her body was found in Manna Sankha near Dharmasthala. She had been raped and murdered, her hands tied to a tree. The police registered a case under sections 376 and 302, and Santosh Rao was quickly arrested.
- The investigation changed hands—from Belthangady police to CID in November 2012, and finally to the CBI in June 2013.
- October 26, 2017: The CBI filed charges. Witnesses were examined, and suspects underwent forensic tests. A High Court petition naming three others was dismissed in January 2021.
- June 16, 2023: Bengaluru CBI Court acquitted Rao for lack of proof, concluding that key evidence—his confession, injury marks, and clothes—was inconclusive
Recent Developments: Public Outcry and Legal Drama
Viral YouTube Documentary & Legal Clash
In February 2025, journalist Sameer M D released an investigative video that examined investigation lapses, hints at political influence, and fuelled conspiracy theories. With over 13 million views, it went viral
- His video sparked outrage; a Cowl Bazaar FIR accused him of offending religious sentiments under the BNSS Act
- In March 2025, a Bengaluru court issued an ex‑parte order to remove the video, citing alleged defamation of Dharmasthala temple head Veerendra Heggade
- Shortly after, the Karnataka High Court stayed the FIR and police notice, ruling that procedural norms were not followed and striking a blow for freedom of expression
Demand for Fresh Probes and Justice
Civil society and activists have intensified calls for a reinvestigation. Demonstrations in Mysuru in April 2025 demanded new forensic tests, compensation for Rao, and disciplinary action against officials who allegedly tampered with evidenc
New Allegations Surface
In July 2025, a former sanitation worker from Dharmasthala temple management claimed he was ordered to burn and bury hundreds of murdered bodies, possibly including Sowjanya’s, on temple grounds. The police have registered a formal case under Section 211(a) BNSS and are seeking court approval for exhumation.
What It All Means The case is far from closed: ongoing legal battles, viral videos, and grave allegations suggest a deeper, darker conspiracy. Civil society groups like Odanadi Seva Samsthe continue their fight, emphasising the need for judicial monitoring and accountability for failed investigations. Amid protests, legal suits, and revelations that may implicate influential figures, the public continues to ask: If Santosh Rao is not responsible, who is—and what will it take to find them?
