What Happened to Sowjanya & 95 Girls in Dharmasthala? | Sowjanya Case | Hindi | Wronged

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Saujanya left her home early that morning without breakfast or a tiffin, as it was the day of Avani Navami, a religious observance that required her mother’s preparation. She attended SDMC College, where she was a dedicated student. That day, she boarded the bus home at 3:45 PM with her classmates, friends, and teachers.

#### **The Search Begins**

When Saujanya failed to return home by 6 PM, her mother’s anxiety grew. Her father was informed, and a desperate search ensued. Friends, relatives, and villagers combed the route from the bus stop to her home, to no avail. As darkness fell and hope dwindled, Saujanya’s parents and the villagers reported her missing to the Belthangady police station at 11 PM.

#### **The Discovery**

The following morning, October 10, 2012, Saujanya’s lifeless body was found under a tree near some bushes, her hands bound with a blue saree to the tree. Her clothes were torn, and her body bore deep wounds and injuries. The most disturbing aspect was the thick layer of mud covering her private parts, a clear indication of brutality and a heinous crime.

In a twist of fate, just a day after Saujanya’s body was found, five villagers apprehended a man named Santosh Rav and handed him over to the police, accusing him of Saujanya’s murder. They claimed to have found him alone near the crime scene, acting suspiciously. Under duress, Santosh confessed to the crime.

#### **The Flawed Investigation**

Despite the confession, the case was riddled with inconsistencies and procedural lapses. The post-mortem examination was conducted in poor lighting without video recording, and crucial samples were not collected or were damaged. The crime scene was not professionally photographed, and potential evidence was ignored. CCTV footage from nearby locations was not collected, and Saujanya’s belongings were not examined.

#### **The Trial and Aftermath**

Santosh Rav spent six years in jail before being acquitted on June 16, 2023, due to lack of evidence. The case against him was based on a coerced confession and fabricated evidence. The actual perpetrators remained at large, protected by a powerful network that thwarted justice at every turn.

#### **A Systemic Issue**

Saujanya’s case is not an isolated incident. Dharmasthala has seen over 400 unsolved cases, many involving young women and girls. The systemic failures and corruption within the police force, judiciary, and political circles have allowed these crimes to go unpunished.

#### **The Fight for Justice**

Despite the odds, there are individuals like Girish Mathana Anwar, a former police officer turned social activist, who tirelessly advocate for justice. They have taken up the cause of Saujanya and other victims, demanding a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible.

#### **Conclusion**

Saujanya’s story is a tragic reminder of the injustices that can occur when power and corruption collide. It is a call to action for reform and a demand for justice for all. As the quest for truth continues, Saujanya’s memory serves as a beacon of hope for change and a reminder that the fight for justice is far from over.