BJP Legislators Demand Thorough Reinvestigation into Soujanya Rape-Murder Case

Mangaluru: The Bharatiya Janata Party legislators representing Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, led by party's state president and Member of Parliament for Dakshina Kannada, Nalin Kumar Kateel, have jointly called for a thorough reinvestigation into the tragic case of the rape and murder of Soujanya.

The incident transpired near Dharmasthala in 2012, and the trial ended recently in the acquittal of the accused, Santhosh Rao. Elected representatives from both districts lent their support to the rally on Sunday.

Expressing their deep concern, the legislators penned a letter to the Chief Minister, highlighting the failures of the police department and the CID in bringing the culprits to justice.

"The recent acquittal by the CBI court due to a dearth of evidence has ignited the fury of the people, who feel justice has been denied to the grieving family," the letter by the legislators and addressed to the Chief Minister stated.

"Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja and MLC Pratap Simha Nayak have already submitted a formal plea for the case's reinvestigation. Now, echoing these concerns, the BJP legislators are emphatically urging the government to commission a fresh inquiry into the matter," the letter added.

Nalin Kumar Kateel underscored the gravity of their demand, indicating that the BJP MLAs would soon meet Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with a demand for reinvestigation. He also cautioned people about those attempting to exploit the situation to tarnish the reputation of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala.

Staunchly standing by the victim's family, the BJP leaders resolved to persist in their fight for justice, asserting that they will not cease until the true culprits are brought to justice.

Kusumavathi, the mother of the victim, attended the protest rally, seeking assistance from the BJP leaders in arranging a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring attention to the cause.