SIT lists 13-15 suspects in Sowjanya rape and murder case

SIT sends 14-year-old vaginal sample of victim to Hyderabad laboratory for re-examination

Mangaluru

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sowjanya rape and murder case has reportedly prepared a list of suspects believed to have been involved in the rape (or gang rape) and murder of the teenager. Seventeen-year-old Sowjanya was murdered in October 2012.

Two sources familiar with the investigation, speaking to blrpost.com, disclosed different numbers of suspects identified by the SIT. While one source said, “The SIT has listed 13 suspects,” another claimed that “the team has identified 15 suspects.”

When asked about the exact number of suspects, a police officer attached to the SIT declined to disclose the details. However, the officer said, “I don’t know if it is 13, but some persons are listed as suspects.”

The sources further said that the SIT may also question C N Chinnayya in connection with the Sowjanya case, as he is suspected of having disposed of the minor girl’s body after the crime. According to a source, the State government will have to provide him with adequate protection, as he may know the identities of those involved in the crime.

It may be recalled that Chinnayya was the complainant as well as an accused in the Dharmasthala mass burial case (36/2025).  He is currently staying in a hotel after being released from prison on bail a few months ago. Chinnayya had worked under Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade and his brother Harshendra Kumar.

The sources further said that the SIT has been questioning police officers who were previously involved in the investigation of the Sowjanya case. The SIT, headed by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chetan Singh Rathore, has also visited the crime scene at Mannasanka near Dharmasthala. The team is expected to summon all the suspects for questioning and gather necessary information as part of its investigation. The SIT may also issue a notice to Harshendra Kumar.

Meanwhile, sources in the Home Department said that the vaginal sample collected from Sowjanya’s body, 14 years ago, has been sent to an advanced forensic laboratory in Hyderabad for re-examination. The SIT has sought the necessary forensic tests to be conducted at the earliest to assist the investigation and help solve the case.