Belthangady, Aug 11, 2023: A Chalo Belthangady programme has been organised on August 28 demanding re-investigation into the Sowjanya rape and murder case. A mass dharna will also be held near the Belthangady Mini Vidhana Saudha on that day.

Speaking to reporters here on August 10, Thursday, former MLA K Vasanth Bangera said the protest is being held rising above politics seeking justice to Sowjanya.

He said the court verdict while acquitting the lone accused in the case Santosh, reveals there have been several loopholes in the investigation as well as a systematic plot to hush up the case. He said the protest is being held on behalf of Janapara Sanghatanegala Okkoota demanding a Special Investigation Team to probe the case and also a magisterial probe into the various cases of unnatural deaths in Dharmasthala, Ujire area.

Recalling how he along with other leaders had years ago demanded a CBI probe into the case and had met Siddaramaiah who was the Chief Minister then, Bangera said the case has to be freshly investigated.

The main demand is to trace the real accused in this case, he said.

DYFI State Committee President Muneer Katipalla, CPI (M) District Secretary Yadav Shetty, Congress leader Jayavikram and others were present.