SIT begins fresh probe into 2012 Sowjanya rape and murder case

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has officially launched a fresh probe into the 2012 rape and murder of 17-year-old Sowjanya in Mangaluru. The investigation follows a September 21 Supreme Court order directing the state government to constitute an SIT and submit a compliance report within three months.

SIT officials, including Inspector General of Police N Shashi Kumar, held an initial meeting in Mangaluru to discuss investigation strategies and course of action. To support the probe, dedicated offices have been established in Mangaluru and Belthangady. The case, which involves the death of a student in October 2012, had previously seen investigations by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) fail to identify the perpetrators.