Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Oct 13: The reinvestigation into the Dharmasthala Sowjanya murder case has gathered momentum, with Special Investigation Team (SIT) chief and Inspector General of Police (IGP) N Shashikumar arriving in Mangaluru and holding a high-level review meeting with senior officers at the team's office.
The meeting marks a significant step in the renewed probe ordered by the state government, with the SIT now examining earlier investigation records and preparing for the next phase of the investigation.
Senior IPS officers lead reinvestigation
For the first time in the long history of investigations into the Sowjanya case, the reinvestigation is being undertaken under the direct supervision of senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers.
SIT chief IGP N Shashikumar has appointed Lokesh Jagalsar, a senior IPS officer who previously served as superintendent of police in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), as the chief investigating officer. Mangaluru Central Crime Branch (CCB) ACP Manoj Kumar Naik has been appointed assistant investigating officer.
Experienced officer with technical expertise to lead probe
Lokesh Jagalsar brings extensive policing experience to the investigation, having served as superintendent of police in Bagalkote and Dharwad districts and as deputy commissioner of police in Bengaluru city. An engineering graduate, he has particular expertise in analysing technical evidence and investigating complex crimes. He also played a key role in cracking several high-value robbery cases in Bengaluru.
To strengthen the investigation, a total of 16 experienced police officers and personnel from various units have been assigned to assist the SIT. They include Mangaluru CCB ACP Manoj Kumar Naik, who will serve as the assistant investigating officer.
Supreme Court order paved the way for reinvestigation
Following a prolonged legal battle, the Supreme Court issued clear directions for a reinvestigation into the case on September 21. Acting on the apex court's order, the state government issued an order on September 24 constituting a five-member SIT comprising senior police officers.
The team, headed by IGP N Shashikumar, includes Mangaluru City police commissioner C H Sudheer Kumar Reddy and senior officers Nisha James, Lokesh Jagalsar and Venkatesh Prasanna.
However, Venkatesh Prasanna has reportedly submitted a request to the department seeking to be relieved from the team for personal reasons.
SIT sets up dedicated office at old DC office complex
The SIT, which officially began operations on Thursday, has established a separate, well-equipped office at the old deputy commissioner's office complex in Mangaluru.
As part of the renewed investigation, the team is conducting a detailed examination of reports from earlier probes by the CID and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), charge sheets filed before the courts, evidence and other technical records connected with the case.
The review of these records is expected to form the basis for the next phase of the investigation. Once the examination is complete, the SIT will finalise its further investigative strategy and begin field-level operations.
With senior officers now directly overseeing the probe and earlier investigative material under fresh scrutiny, the SIT is preparing to take the investigation forward.