Udupi, Aug 30, 2023: A huge protest was held near the Martyrs’ Memorial at Ajjarkad in Udupi on August 30, Tuesday demanding justice in the 2012 Sowjanya rape and murder case that took place near Dharmasthala. The protest was organised by Sowjanya Horata Samithi.

Prior to the meeting, the protestors visited the Anantheshwara Temple and Krishna Mutt and offered prayers. Later, they took out a Padayatra till the protest venue.

Addressing the meeting, Mahesh Shetty Thimarody who is leading the protest, said the protest demanding justice is underway since the past 11 years in a peaceful manner. If there is any attempt to tarnish the protest, then the agitation would be intensified and huge number of people will protest in Dharmasthala, he warned.

Thimarody also criticized Udupi MP and Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje for not meeting the family of Sowjanya.

Sowjanya’s mother Kusumavathi and many others took part in the protest. Elaborate security arrangements were made for the meeting.