Sowjanya Murder: Kemar Swamiji Calls for Fresh Probe, to File PIL in HC
Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady
Pics: Achushree Baangeru, Beltangady
Beltangady, Nov 6: Sri Esha Vittaldas Swamiji of Kemar Math on Monday November 5 called for a fresh investigation into the rape and murder of Sowjanya, a 17-year-old student of SDM College, Ujire which took place last month.
"There should be fresh investigation into the case. Also, probe should also be ordered into the 54 unnatural deaths that have taken place in Dharmasthala so far. Also, the cases booked against locals who had protested following the incident should also be withdrawn," he said.
"If the police fail to respond to these demands, a satyagraha will be launched," he warned, adding that a public interest litigation (PIL) will also be filed in the Karnataka high court.
He was speaking to reporters here after paying a visit to Sowjanya's father Chandappa Gowda.
"The details of the protest will be chalked out after consultation with the locals. Being a religious head, I have come here to console the family," he said.
When he asked Chandappa if he was satisfied with the investigations, the latter urged for a CBI probe. "The investigations are not moving satisfactorily. There cannot be just one accused in the case," he said. Sowjanya's grandfather narrated the day of the incident to Swamiji.
When Swamiji asked the family if they suspect anyone, or if was any threat from anyone during the investigations, or if there was any property dispute which may have led to the crime, they replied in the negative.
Speaking exclusively to daijiworld, Kemar Swamiji reiterated that the victim's parents and family have urged for a CBI probe into the case. "They are demanding a full report on the case, as well the copy of the FIR and medical reports. None of them have been given to them," he said, adding that the investigation has to be transperant.
He also emphasized that protests will be launched if no action is taken by the police within 15 days. "We will also submit a PIL in the high court urging investigations into all the 54 cases of unnatural deaths in Beltangady," he added.
He further told Daijiworld that Sowjanya's family has been receiving threats ever since investigations began. "Whatever happens, we are with the family. We will support them at all costs," he asserted.
"A woman is worshipped as goddesses Laxmi and Saraswati. Crimes against women are simply unacceptable," he said.
He also added that he was the first religious head to pay the family a visit and render support to them. He urged other leaders and religious heads to pledge their support too and help the family.
'Pressure on Police'
Hindu Jagarana Vedike leader, Mahesh Shetty Timarodi alleged that the police have been creating problems in the case. "There is immense pressure from influential corners hindering the police from carrying out a fair investigation," he alleged.
"All the mysterious deaths that have taken place in Dharmasthala must be re-investigated," he urged.
"Why is that people have been dying in Dharmasthala, don't they have any other place?" he questioned, adding that the police have not been investigating the cases properly.
He also raised suspicion that Sowjanya may have been murdered somewhere else and her body dumped near Pangala, in which case, he said, a bluefilm business could not be ruled out.
"Police should submit their report within 15 days and bring out the truth before the public. People need to know if anyone is influencing the police from carrying out investigations. The ASP himself has admitted that there is pressure from influential people," said Mahesh, who along with a number of HJV members visited Sowjanya's house.