Soujanya case: CBI approaches HC, challenges Santosh Rao’s acquittal

Belthangady: The CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) has once again approached the High Court, challenging the order of the special court that acquitted the accused, Santosh Rao, in the murder and rape case that transpired 11 years ago in Dharmasthala.

Several months following Santosh Rao’s acquittal, who had been previously accused in the case, CBI officials are now determined to establish him as the perpetrator of the rape and murder of Soujanya.

In the wake of a protracted legal battle associated with the case, the state government entrusted the investigation to the CBI, and the agency subsequently conducted a comprehensive inquiry. The trial itself was conducted within a special CBI court. However, the court acquitted Santosh Rao due to a lack of substantial evidence, and the CBI officials failed to substantiate the charges against him.

An appeal has now been lodged against the verdict issued on July 16, 2023.

The Bengaluru CBI special court had granted a 60-day window to file an appeal when Santosh Rao was acquitted on July 16. Nevertheless, the appeal was filed four months after the judgment. It has been reported that the CBI is contending in the appeal that Santosh Rao is indeed the actual culprit and has pledged to furnish all pertinent documentation during the anticipated retrial.

Earlier, the High Court had dismissed a public interest petition initiated by social activist Girish Bhardwaj of Seshadripur, Bengaluru, G Naveen Kumar of Belthangadi, and Vinayak Friends Charitable Trust of Puttur, which sought a reinvestigation of the case. In that instance, alternative avenues were also suggested by the court.