Soujanya witness: Retired Anganwadi worker alleges harassment by SIT officials in letter to CM

Bengaluru

A retired Anganwadi worker from Mandya has submitted a complaint to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, through the Karnataka State Women’s Commission, alleging harassment and character assassination before deposing as a witness before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in connection with the Dharmasthala mass burial case.

In her letter, Chikka Kempamma, a resident of Chennaya Badavane, Mandya, claimed she was mentally harassed when she appeared before the SIT on September 19 to testify about witnessing the kidnap of a minor girl (Soujanya) in Dharmasthala. She alleged that SIT officials Manjunath Gowda and Suhas not only insulted her during questioning but also intimidated her by asking personal and irrelevant questions off-camera. It may be recalled that Soujayna was killed in October, 2012 in Dharmasthala and the accused in the case was acquitted by the trial court. 

Kempamma accused the officials of threatening her with remarks such as “we know how to deal with you” and pressuring her not to testify truthfully. She further alleged that her daughters, grandchildren, and even details of her late husband were dragged into questioning, causing severe mental distress.

The complainant also accused certain media outlets of portraying her as an accused by spreading false claims that she had served jail terms and had criminal cases against her. She alleged that her own brother, retired police constable L Shiva Kempaiah, colluded with SIT officials to malign her reputation and prevent her from testifying.

Seeking legal action, Kempamma urged the government and the Women’s Commission to protect her dignity as a witness and initiate proceedings against those responsible for harassment and defamation.