Women's organisation demands impartial SIT probe, reinvestigation of Soujanya case
The organisation hoped that the ongoing investigation would end the impunity of 'powerful forces' behind the alleged spate of crimes in Dharmasthala.
In a statement released on Monday, the organisation praised the courage of the whistleblower who has now come forward, and demanded that he should be provided protection under the Witness Protection Scheme, 2018.
It also demanded that the families of the victims should be provided protection.
The activists have also demanded that the SIT should not only reinvestigate the 2012 Soujanya rape and murder case, but also investigate local police officers, against whom a court had recommended action for botching up the probe initially. 'No action has been taken against them. Questioning them will probably reveal the truth,' the statement said.
The organisation has also called upon the judiciary to examine courts issuing gag orders against media covering the case. It also demanded that the State government should take measures to take over the Dharmasthala temple as part of the Muzrai Department.
Court issues injunction order to media
A Bengaluru court restrained several media houses, YouTube channels, and other unknown persons from carrying any defamatory content against Harshendra Kumar D., brother of Dharmasthala pattadhikari D. Veerendra Heggade, in connection with the alleged burials in the temple town, on Monday. The court also said any defamatory content already published should be taken down.
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