Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)
Mangalore, May 14: Sri Esha Vittaldasa Swamiji of Kemar Saandeepani Saadana Ashram on Wednesday May 14 submitted a memorandum to police commissioner R Hitendra urging speedy probe into Soujanya rape and murder case and the suspected human sacrifice case of Sullia where infant Sharika was allegedly murdered for finding hidden treasure. In the memorandum, he also demanded suitable compensation for victims' families in both the cases.
However, after submitting the memorandum, the Swamiji expressed dissatisfaction over the police commissioner's response to the appeal.
Addressing the media, he said, "This is a very painful thing; the police commissioner after receiving the memorandum placed it in a corner, and did not utter a single word on these issues. His response hurt me. I am a religious head who is working for a social cause. This is my first experience. The commissioner even kept the media out of his chamber while submitting the memorandum."
Esha Vittaldas Swamiji first submitted the memorandum to deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim and then came to the police commissioner's office to do the same.
Addressing the media at the DC's office, the Swamiji said, "People are asking about the progress of the ongoing CBI investigation into Soujanya's rape and murder case. The government should reveal the status of the case to the people through the media. They should also finish the probe in a certain time frame and not delay it unnecessarily. The government should also provide suitable compensation to both the families."
17-year-old Soujanya was found allegedly raped and murdered near Dharmasthala in Beltangady in October 2012. A CoD probe was ordered, but it was said to be sloppy. A year after the murder took place, the case garned much public attention due to media and protests by organizations, and finally, the government agreed to hand over the case to CBI. Though the CBI team arrived in Beltangady to probe, no progress has been reported so far.
In the suspected human sacrifice case, Sharika, daughter of Mohandas and Bhavani of Nadugallu, suddenly disappeared in August 2013. A few days later, her dismembered body was found near a pond. It was suspected that she had been sacrificed for a hidden treasure. A 70-year-old man too was said to have been murdered for the hidden treasure, and altogether about five unnatural deaths were reported.