Allegations aimed at maligning Dharmasthala, says a hurt Dr Heggade
Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady (EP)
Beltangady, Oct 15: In the wake of allegations made by Sowjanya's parents and Hindu leader Mahesh Thimarodi against his family in a news channel, Dhamasthala Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade on Tuesday October 15 rubbished all claims and reiterated that neither he nor his family have anything to do with the case.
Addressing a press meet at Dharmasthala, he said, "Some people from Beltangady appeared in a TV channel with regard to the murder case of Sowjanya and tried to shake people’s trust in us. We are not involved in the murder of Sowjanya. None of our family members are involved in it. We have not protected any suspect. We have no objections for the arrest of the guilty," asserted Dr Heggade.
A visibly hurt Dr Heggade added, "I have now discovered how dignified people can be insulted, how they can be hurt and killed by loose talk. I am hurt by the developments, after having engaged in serving the society for the last 45 years."
"We have considered Sowjanya as the child of Dharmasthala. She was a student of Ujire SDM College and when I heard that she was kidnapped, I had urged for her search. When her dead body was found the next day, I had telephoned the then home minister R Ashok and urged that the guilty be punished. I had also spoken to district incharge minister C T Ravi that very evening, and urged him to punish the people responsible for the crime without showing any sympathy. The home minister who came to Shree Dharmasthala Kshetra on October 22, 2012 was urged to hand over the investigation to CoD by me," he explained.
'An excuse to disturb peace'
"Meanwhile, a systematic attempt was made to malign the Kshetra by sending SMSs against Dharmasthala. I called a press conference on November 16, 2012 and urged the concerned to hand over the case to the CBI before the evidence was destroyed. The government responded by transferring the case to the CoD. The peace of the society is being spoilt despite these efforts," he said.
'My nephew is abroad'
Referring to his nephew Nischal Kumar whose involvement was alleged in the case, he said, "My brother's son was needlessly blamed in the case. He had gone to the USA on August 21, 2012 for higher studies and came back on December 28, 2012. He was not in India at the time of the incident. We have a copy of his visa to authenticate the claim. The people in the region, including the family of Sowjanya is aware of the fact. Despite this, the name of my nephew has been splashed about in the TV media. It shows a long-standing conspiracy against the Kshetra," Dr Heggade said.
'Have sought justice for Sowjanya without publicity'
Reiterating his stand on the case, he said, "The allegations that we are protecting the guilty and not urging for enquiry are false. I had urged for CBI enquiry on November 16, 2012. I tried my best to impart justice to the family of Sowjanya. However, we have not sought publicity every time I called for justice. I considered Sowjanya as my daughter and I did not want to stoop so low as to gain publicity out of her murder case. I have sincerely tried my best to obtain justice in the case. I urge the authorities to arrest the culprits and punish them soon."
He added, "I tried to get insurance claim for the family and asked for post-mortem report for this purpose from Jagadish Gowda (a family member). He has not responded since. Now the college is being blamed for non-cooperation. College teachers and students have protested in the case but the family has accused the college for being 'non-cooperative',
'Mental torture'
"Some people have given us mental torture for the last one year. Besides, the language used in the TV interview with aggrieved family of Sowjanya has shown that the aim of the discussion was to insult the Kshetra rather than achieving anything else," he lamented.
"We had felt that the family of Sowjanya were our well-wishers. But the unfounded criticism of the Kshetra, the false accusations and the adverse publicity has hurt us and also the staff at the Kshetra, the organizations that are connected with the Kshetra, and the devotees. As the purpose was to malign the Kshetra, wide publicity is being given for it in the media," he said.
'No pressure in Kshetra; let there be probe'
"The dealings at the Kshetra are transparent. The rural development loan scheme is strictly followed as per rules. The allegations in this regard are aimed at creating an adverse impact to the progress of the Kshetra," he said.
"There is no scope for fear or pressure at the Kshetra. The discipline followed at the Kshetra has set an example for all. The criticism heard from some quarters over the last two decades is an insult to the people-friendly programmes undertaken by the Kshetra and the service rendered by me. People who are against the Kshetra are making using of this case to malign us and undermine our efforts in uplifting the society.
"However, we are not discouraged. We will use our strength for the social, educational and medical development in the area. Sowjanya case can be investigated by any law enforcement authority. Similarly, 430 unnatural deaths during the last ten years can also be investigated," he said.
Watch: Message by Dr Veerendra Heggade