Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal

Bantwal, Sep 28: RSS leader Dr Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat welcomed the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for the reinvestigation of the Dharmasthala Sowjanya case, but expressed reservations about certain officers included in the team.

Speaking in Bantwal, he said, “The formation of the SIT is a good step. However, we have a slight doubt about whether all the officers in the team will conduct a thorough investigation. The officers must investigate honestly without yielding to any pressure or influence.”

Noting that the fight for justice in the Sowjanya case has been ongoing for 14 years, he said, “Sowjanya’s soul has been wandering for 14 years. No other case has dragged on like this. This time, justice must be delivered to her. The SIT officials must search for the truth without any bias. We are confident that the absolute truth will be uncovered.”

Confidence in Mangaluru police commissioner

Speaking about the officers in the SIT, he expressed his trust in Mangaluru city police commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy.

“Sudheer Kumar Reddy is a good commissioner. We are confident that he will not sway in any direction. However, we have doubts regarding the other officers. If more strong officers like the commissioner were included in the SIT, it would have instilled greater confidence among the people,” he stated.

He added that to build complete public trust in the SIT probe, the investigating officers must function without prejudice.

'Court strictly directed not to include previous officers'

Referring to the court’s directives regarding the investigation, Dr Bhat said, “The court has clearly stated this time that Santhosh Rao should not be implicated in the case and that the previous investigating officers should not be included. Therefore, the current investigating officers must keep these aspects in mind while proceeding.”

He further mentioned that the police possess the capability to track down the culprits. If the investigation is entrusted to a team of honest and capable officers, the truth will definitely emerge.

“Our only request is that the SIT officers find the truth without favouring anyone or succumbing to pressure. The real truth of this case must come out,” Dr Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat urged.