CBI Court acquits Santhosh Rao in Sowjanya murder case

Bengaluru: A CBI Court, on Friday, acquitted Santosh Rao, the accused in the sensational Sowjanya rape and murder case. CBI Special Court Judge C.B. Santosh delivered the not-guilty verdict, citing a lack of evidence against the accused.

The case initially came under the purview of the local police and later the CID, before being handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Following an investigation, the CBI filed a chargesheet against Santosh Rao, marking a crucial turning point in the legal proceedings. The case then proceeded to the special CBI court, where witnesses were examined to establish the facts surrounding the incident.

It is worth noting that the Karnataka High Court had deemed any further reinvestigation in the case unnecessary as the matter was investigated by the CBI.

On October 9, 2012, Sowjanya, a Second PU student from Ujire Dharmasthala, went missing. Her father, Chandrappagowda lodged a complaint with the Belthangady police. However, the following day, Sowjanya’s lifeless body was discovered. The preliminary investigation conducted by the Belthangady police led to the subsequent involvement of the CID. The forensic report suggested rape and murder.

Due to the gravity of the case and public outcry, the government later decided to entrust the investigation to the CBI.