Sowjanya murder case: DYFI to lead 24 hr stir

Despite one arrest the mystery shrouded around Sowjanya murder case does not seem to be cleared. Hence, demanding CBI probe into the case, several organizations have decided to stage a 24 hour sit-in protest from February 4 under the aegis of Belthangady taluk unit of Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI)

The sit-in protest will be held in front of Belthangady taluk office.

“The case has created suspicion among people, and has plenty of unanswered questions. The police has arrested a mentally-unstable person in connection to the case merely to stub off the outrage shown by people, while the real culprits are roaming freely. CBI probe is a must if they are to be caught,” said DYFI taluk president Lokesh Kudyadi.

Various pro-people activists, Facebook Page, women rights’ groups and leaders of various organisations from the district will take part in the protest.

Slow pace of probe into Sowjanya, Deepika cases deplored

 The All College Students Association of Mangalore has deplored the snail’s pace of investigation into the case of suspicious death of Deepika, a student of St Ann’s College and that of the case of murder of SDM College Student Sowjanya.

The Association office bearers who spoke to reporters in Mangalore on January 15, Tuesday, said so far there is no information on the progress of investigation and added the authorities have maintained a silence. They also said no arrests have been made in the Sowjanya case even after the case was handed over to the CID.

They said they had approached the Ullal police station on several occasions seeking information on the investigation into the Deepika case but of no avail.

SFI demands CBI probe into Sowjanya murder case Posted on Jan 10th, 2013 and filed under Local News.

The Students Federation of India staged a demonstration in front of the DC office in Mangalore on January 9, Wednesday demanding a CBI probe into the Sowjanya rape and murder case. The protest was organized to also prevail upon the authorities to arrest the true culprits behind the case.

Speaking on the occasion, Nitin Kumar, District President of SFI said the policedepartment has still failed to ensure total protection to the student community.Female students have insecurity while returning home from colleges in the evening. Pointing out at the over 50 cases of sexual harassment reported from thedistrict last year, he blamed the police department for its inefficiency.

He said though it has been three months since Sowjanya was killed, all that the police could do was arrest a mentally ill man.

SFI District Secretary Razak Montepadavu urged for a fresh probe into the Sowjanya case and warned of a severe protest otherwise.

A memorandum signed by over 10,000 students was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner on the occasion.

"We are stepping down to the streets for Sowjanya on February 4 and 5." - Sowjanya's Facebook Page

Dear Campaigners,

I feel very proud to reveal here that, In what intention we had created and initiated several online campaigns ( Justice For Sowjanya) 3 months back in favor of Sowjanya are really coming into our help. I feel, now we are matured enough in our strength as well as the voice of our Facebook campaign has heard by many people including, media persons and those who lives abroad.

Yes, Its high time for us to step down to the streets, achieve the goal that we had targeted quite a long time. Realizing the facts that, nothing will go in our favor if we keep on ranting in Facebook, Twitter and write up some articles on this blog. Even though we have 6 thousand online campaigners on Facebook page "Justice For Kumari Sowjanya", its hard to make people gather at least 20% of it. But understating the ground reality of Sowjanya's mysterious death our every participating campaigners head counts and it will ultimately make our voice loud. 

So, On February 4 and 5, finally our Facebook page "Justice For Kumari Sowjanya" going out carrying some banners demanding the govt to handover the Sowjanya case to CBI. We will be associating with many other organizations who have called for the protest irrespective for their primary motto.

Its a humble request with you all that whoever comes under this page, who follows our online campaigns please have your presence in the protest an let the district know about our protest and help us in making it more successful.

For any queries contact us.

Email: justiceforsowjanya@gmail.com or call us at 9901966519.

Venue: Belthangady Thaluk office

Why are Karkala leaders silent on Sowjanya case?

If the public outrage against the Sowjanya rape and murder case is growing all over the district with protests being staged on a daily basis, it is surprising to note the silence of Congress and BJP leaders of Karkala on this issue.

Incidentally, the lone person arrested in the Sowjanya case, Santosh Rao hails from Karkala. Even when there is a strong suspicion if he was the actual accused, not even a single politician of Karkala has chosen to speak on the issue.

Questions are being raised as to why the politicians of Karkala who had no hesitation in protesting against the Mangalore homestay attack, have now remained tightlipped in Sowjanya case. Is it because that the protests in this case would not reap any political gain? People are wondering.

3 months on, Sowjanya family still in dark on progress of CID probe

It is exactly three months since Sowjanya, a student of SDM College, Ujire was brutally raped and murdered and her body dumped at Pangala near Dharmasthala. Presently, the agitation seeking justice to Sowjanya through a thorough probe and bringing the actual culprits to book, is gaining momentum invarious parts of the district with students too taking to the streets.

With the CID officials investigating into the case not filing a charge sheet until now, the agitations are likely to gain further momentum in the days to come. Even the family of Sowjanya which is spending its days in tears, as well as local citizens are still in the dark regarding the progress of the investigation.

Meanwhile, the plans of the Belthangady taluk unit of the DYFI to stage a 24 hour dharna on February 4 and 5 demanding a CBI probe into the case, is likely to be a big support to the Sowjanya family which is fighting for justice. Even an online campaign seeking justice for Sowjanya is underway.

Though police have arrested one Santosh Rao said to be mentally unstable, in connection with the case, suspicion is still looming large if he was the actual culprit or if he was victimized in order to shield the actual culprits.

In the meantime, various organizations including Nagarika Seva Trust, Kodachadri Parisara Samrakshana Trust, Janavadi Mahila Sanghatane, Hindu Jagarana Vedike, DYFI Sri Rama Sene Bhajrangdal, Civil Rights Action Committee and various Dalit associations are in favour of a CBI probe into the case.

Sowjanya case a ‘murder’ in police records

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Did you know this?

If the post mortem report of Ujire SDM College student Sowjanya who was found dead on October 10, had revealed that she was raped and murdered, the information obtained through an RTI query, has revealed that Sowjanya case has been registered as a mere murder case, in turn giving room for doubts.


In fact, the suspicion of the locals no sooner Sowjanya’s body was traced was that it was a rape and murder and even the Mahajar and post mortem report had mentioned that some assailants had raped and murdered Sowjanya anywhere between 4.15 pm on October 9 and 12.30 noon on October 10. It has been learnt that though the post mortem report has proved that she was raped and murdered, the same has been kept on hold until the forensic report is available.


That the Sowjanya case has been registered as a mere ‘murder’ has given room for much doubt more so because of the belief that she might not have been killed by one person, but at least three persons. The forensic report is now keenly awaited as it is likely to answer the several questions haunting public minds.

Sowjanya case continue to hog limelight ; banners appear in Bantwal

BANTWAL : If the Sowjanya rape and murder case reported from Dharmasthala almost two months ago had sent shockwaves all over the district, developments of late indicate that the public anguish against this case has gradually seen a rise.

Though the people of Dharmasthala, Ujire and its vicinity had taken to the streets the very next day of the incident, they had slowly backtracked probably owing to the influence of some external forces or some other reason, even while being aware that the death of Sowjanya can no way be justified. But, Karavali Ale eveninger and The Canara Times, through their series of reports continued their crusade for justice in this case wherein a young life came to an abrupt and brutal end. Though the reports were successful in enlightening the society to some extent, it is an entirely different matter that some vested interests had taken these public interest reports from a different angle.

But, the discerning and enlightened populace of the district, seem to have risen to the occasion and are trying to fight for justice in Sowjanya case.

Of late banners under the heading “ Is this death justifiable?” (Ee Saavu Nyaayave?) have appeared in some places of Bantwal Taluk. The banners have placed forth several questions –“Has the Sowjanya death case being hushed up ? Where is the Women’s Commission which otherwise appears in the scene even when some trivial case is reported? Why has the ‘young politicians’ group which had organized itself against the homestay and pub attack case, remained silent in Sowjanya case? Series of murders and thousands of questions with no answer. Has our police system and judiciary failed? These are not questions, but our fear.”

Sowjanya case: Banner seeking justice appears in BC Road too

BANTWAL: 'The Canara Times’ and ‘Karavali Ale’ reports on the banners appearing at Bantwal seeking justice in the Sowjanya rape and murder case, have been widely appreciated by the members of the public.

Meanwhile, another banner carrying a similar message has been put up near the main circle at BC Road proving that people are waking up to the situation and are demanding justice in Sowjanya case.

The public while praising The CT group for its series of reports regarding the case, have also voiced concern about the attempts made by some vested interests to mislead the society.

Leg ‘guardians of Kshetra’ genuinely support fight for CBI probe into Sowjanya case, demands Action Panel

BELTHANGADY: “The systematic ploy to suppress the agitations seeking justice in the Sowjanya case, is an unconstitutional act,” the Nagarika Hakkugala Horata Samithi has said.

The Samithi has further said “ Though majority of the people of the taluk are demanding a CBI probe into the Sowjanya rape and murder case, more importance is attached by a few to the issue of protecting the ‘kshetra’ rather than securing justice in the case.” It also said “Let those who are trying to project themselves as guardians of the kshetra support the movement with true concern.”

“Some forces are raising objections to the protests demanding a CBI probe as if mentioning the name ‘Dharmasthala’ itself was a crime,” the Samithi said and added the Sowjanya rape and murder case has made the people of all the 61 villages of Belthangady taluk hang their heads in shame.

The Samithi has further questioned why the two Deputy Chief Ministers who had visited the Dharmasthala Kshetra just days after the Sowjanya murder case took place, chose not to visit the grieving family of Sowjanya which was staying in Dharmasthala itself.

It has also condemned advocate Keshava Belalu for abusing the Kemar seer at a public meet at Dharmasthala and has demanded an apology for the same.

The press communiqué has been issued by the leaders of the Charmady zone Nagarika Hakkugala Horata Samithi including Dayananda Pittilu, PJ Martin, Shaji Mohan Moorje and Obayya Gowda.

Sowjanya case echoes in Karkala

KARKALA : The Sowjanya rape and murder case echoed at a convention organized by the All College Students Association at the Gandhi Maidan here on January 3, Thursday. During the convention, students were seen holding banners with photographs of Sowjanya and seeking justice in the case.

This youth awareness meet in a way converted into a protest meet to prevail upon the authorities to speed up investigation into Sowjanya case and secure justice to her family.

Students said such incidents can be averted only when perpetrators of such acts are brought to book. They demanded swift action in Sowjanya case.

Though students were heard shouting slogans in this regard, none of the dignitaries present on the occasion, chose to raise the issue. Instead, they gave lengthy speeches referring to the Delhi gang rape incident.

Why are we afraid to speak about Sowjanya case?, questions student leader.

BELTHANGADY : “ Protests are being held nationwide against the Delhi gang rape case. But, why are we afraid to speak about the Sowjanya case that has been reported from our own district?” This pertinent question was raised by student leaders who participated in a protest organized at Belthangady on January 4, Friday under the aegis of the All College Students’ Association and ABVP.

Addressing the protestors, Akshatha, a student leader said so “Let our women politicians walk all alone on the roads of villages. They will then know the travails of rural women. Where are the women’s organizations who took to the streets in the homestay attack? Why are they silent in the case of Sowjanya? Can these organizations fight for justice?” she questioned and hoped the organizations would at least now take up Sowjanya’s cause.

The All College Students Union also demanded stricter laws to prevent crime against women. Students of Belthangady First Grade College and Vani College took part in the protest.                                                                                                             

Kaup students take to streets against Sowjanya rape and murder.

PADUBIDRI : Students of the Kaup First Grade College and Dandatheertha College took to the streets recently to protest against the Sowjanya rape and murder case and the Delhi gang rape. The protest call was given by the ABVP.

The students who took out a jatha held a protest meet in Kaup town. Addressing the protestors, student leader Purushottam Poojari demanded stern action against the perpetrators of the Delhi gang rape as well as the Sowjanya rape and murder case. He also blamed the failure of the State as well as the Union Governments for the rising crime against women.

“Hang Sowjanya killers in public”

PUTTUR : “Rapes are not taking place in Delhi alone; women are subject to atrocities in every nook and corner of the nation, “said Shakuntala Shetty, former MLA of Puttur.

She was addressing the protestors at a protest organized by the Human Rights Action Committee and various organizations in front of the AC office here in protest against the Sowjanya rape and murder and the Delhi rape case.

Shetty further said women are insecure in the nation and alleged the government was hesitating to take firm steps. It’s time to allow women to possess guns to defend themselves, she added.

Commenting on the Sowjanya rape and murder case, she said whoever might be behind it must be hanged in public. She also demanded a thorough probe into the case.

Afrina, a student of Philomena College, who also spoke, said students dreaded to go to college. Please do not snatch our rights to live, she appealed and said no one was aware of the progress in the investigation into the Sowjanya case. She also demanded punishment to the real culprits in the case.

The protestors took out a procession from APMC Road to AC office and submitted a memorandum to the governor through the Assistant Commissioner.

CBI ತನಿಖೆ ಆಗ್ರಹಿಸಿ ಫೆ.4-5 ರಂದು ಪ್ರತಿಭಟನೆ.

ಪ್ರಿಯರೇ, 

ಫೆಬ್ರವರಿ ೪-೫ ರಂದು, ಸೌಜನ್ಯ ರೇಪ್ ಅಂಡ್ ಮರ್ಡರ್ ಪ್ರಕರಣ CBI ಗೆ ಒಪ್ಪಿಸುವಂತೆ ಒತ್ತಾಯಿಸಿ DYFI ಹಾಗೂ ಇತರ ಅನೇಕ ಸಂಘಟನೆಗಳ ಬೆಂಬಲದೊಂದಿಗೆ ಫೆಬ್ರವರಿ ೪ ರಿಂದ ೫ ರ ವರೆಗೆ ಹಗಲು-ರಾತ್ರಿ ೨೪ ಗಂಟೆಗಳ ಧರಣಿ ನಡೆಯಲಿದೆ. ಈ ಧರಣಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸೌಜನ್ಯಳಿಗಾದ ಅನ್ಯಾಯವನ್ನು ಪ್ರತಿಭಟಿಸಲು ರಚಿತವಾದ Facebook Page ನ ಎಲ್ಲ ಹೋರಾಟಗಾರರು ಭಾಗವಹಿಸುವುದು ಬಹಳ ಅನಿವಾರ್ಯವಾಗಿದೆ.

ಈ ಧರಣಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಾವು ಸೌಜನ್ಯಳ ರೇಪ್ ಅಂಡ್ ಮರ್ಡರ್ ಪ್ರಕರಣವನ್ನು ತಕ್ಷಣವೇ CBIಗೆ ಓಪ್ಪಿಸಲು ಮನವಿ ಮಾಡಲಿದ್ದೇವೆ. ಕೆಲವು ಪ್ರಗತಿಪರ ಚಿಂತಕರು, ಮಹಿಳಾಪರ ಹೊರಾಟಗಾರರು, ಹಲವಾರು ಸಂಘಟನೆಗಳ ನಾಯಕರು ಈ ಧರಣಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಲಿದ್ದಾರೆ. 

ಸ್ಥಳ: ಬೆಳ್ತಂಗಡಿ ತಾಲೂಕು ಕಚೇರಿ ಎದುರು 

Justice For Sowjanya Online Campaigners ಸಾಕಷ್ಟು ಸಂಖ್ಯೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಭಾಗವಹಿಸುವ ಅಪೇಕ್ಷೆ ಇದೆ. 

Now we are 5000 campaigners in Faceboook.

On Jan 3, 2013 we have surpassed the mark of 5000 supporters in Facebook.  It took 82 days to reach this milestone. We created this Facebook Page keeping in mind fighting for the injustice happened with Sowjanya. Its been 87 days since the rape and murder of Sowjanya occurred, Police are justice beating around the bush. So far, we have not seen any progress in the investigation except taking accused Santhosh Rao into custody. Police are justice keeping on shifting him from one jail to another, even the CID are not effective with their efforts.

Meanwhile, we have decided to extend our online campaign through several other portals.

Initially, we have created a twitter handle to make 'Sowjanya Case' known to many people as twitter tops the social networking ranks. But our effort, which we made in twitter gained very poor attention though we tried our hard to get the attentions of many feminists like Taslima Nasreen and media personalities like Rajdeep Sardesai. But we never stepped back. It didn't discourage us in any way.

We tried it in Facebook, realizing the fact that majority Indians are on facebook we created a facebook page  to start a online campaign for Sowjanya. Our hard work paid off. The number of supporters kept on raising, and within the span of 3 months it reached till 5000 active online campaigners. So many reputed media sources has recognized our better work. It was Bangalore Mirror which recognized us first, and wrote a brief article on our campaign. Then Times of India published about Sowjanya's least cared case and our Campaign. The same day, ಕರಾವಳಿ ಅಲೆ wrote a detailed article on its front page. Adding to this, we decided to create a website so that i would reach many peope, and would help them to understand the ground reality of  'Sowjanya's Case'. We have also initiated a petition on Causes.com which has already earned 1266 petitioners signs.

More importantly, i would like to thank all the campaigner who are right behind our efforts, providing the needful information on Sowjanya Case. I hope, our work will conclude with a better note. Justice will be proved one or the other day. But our fight will go on.

Yours,
A Campaigner. 

Sowjanya case : CID facing inevitability of filing charge sheet before Jan11

Belthangady, Jan 2,2013:  The CID police who are presently investigating into the Sowjanya rape and murder case  which took place at Pangala near Dharmasthala in October, are now facing the inevitability of filing a charge sheet in connection with the case by January 11.

As per rules, charge sheet has to be filed within 90 days of the arrest of any accused. In the event of the police failing to file charge sheet  by January 11, the accused Santosh Rao   will have to be  released. Though the CID investigation is in progress, the same is not yet complete and there is curiosity all over if the police will be able to file a charge sheet within the stipulated date.

Meanwhile, as law   also allows the CID police to seek more time  from the court after filing the initial charge sheet, there is a possibility of the  CID police opting even  this route.

The CID police have already  enquired several persons  and have also gone through media reports, but have maintained secrecy regarding the progress of investigation. The investigation is underway under the leadership of DySP Rudramuni, considered a very able officer.

The accused Santosh Rao was  meanwhile produced before the court here on Tuesday, January 1 as the police had requested the court for permission to get him examined by doctors to know about his mental condition.

Protest planned : The Janavadi Mahila Sanghatane and the DYFI which have reiterated demand for a CBI probe will be staging a 24 hour dharna on February 24.

ಮಂಗಳೂರು ರೆಸಾರ್ಟ್ ಹುಡುಗಿಯರ ಕಂಡು ಕರಗಿದ ಮಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಜನ ಹೃದಯಗಳು, ನಮ್ಮ ಮನೆಮಗಳು ಸೌಜನ್ಯಳಿಗೂ ಮಿಡಿದಿದ್ದರೆ ಎಷ್ಟು ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿರುತಿತ್ತು?

ಪ್ರೀತಿಯ ಮಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಜನತೆ,

ನಾವೇಕೆ  ಈ ರೀತಿ? ನಮ್ಮ ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸೂತಕವಿದ್ದರೂ ಪರಮನೆಯ ಸಾವಿಗೆ ಕಣ್ಣೀರು ಸುರಿಸುವ ಹೃದಯ ವೈಶಾಲ್ಯತೆ ನಮಗೇಕೆ? ಊರ ಉಸಾಬರಿ ನಮಗ್ಯಾಕೆ ಅಂತ ಸುಮ್ಮನೆ ಕೂರುವಂಥ ಕಾಲ ಇದಲ್ಲ.  ಅದನ್ನು ಒಪ್ಪಲೇ ಬೇಕು. ಆದರೆ, ಇತ್ತೀಚೆಗೆ ನಾವು ತೀರ ಸ್ವಂತಿಕೆಯ ಎಲ್ಲೆ ಮೀರಿ ಹೋಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದೇವೆ. ನೆರೆಮನೆ ಸುಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದರೂ ಮಾತಾಡದೆ, TV ಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ರೈಂ ಸ್ಟೋರಿ ನೋಡಿ ಅಯ್ಯೋ ಪಾಪ ಎನ್ನುತ್ತೇವೆ. ಅಂಥ ಮನೋಸ್ಥಿಥಿ ನಮ್ಮದು. ಮಾನವೀಯತೆ ಎಂಬುದು ಮಾದ್ಯಮಗಳು ಬಿತ್ತರಿಸುವ ಸುದ್ದಿಯನ್ನು ನೋಡಿ ಉಕ್ಕಿ ಹರಿಯುತ್ತದೆ ಹೊರತು ವಾಸ್ತವತೆಯನ್ನರಿತಲ್ಲ. ಮಂಗಳೂರು ಖಂಡಿತವಾಗಿಯೂ ಬದಲಾಗಿದೆ ಎನ್ನಲು ಇತ್ತೀಚೆಗೆ ನಡೆದ Home Stay ಗಲಾಟೆ ಹಾಗೂ  ಸೌಜನ್ಯ ಸಾವಿನ ಪ್ರಕರಣದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಮಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಜನತೆ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಪಡಿಸಿದ ಪ್ರತಿಕ್ರಿಯೆಯೇ ಸಾಕು.

ರಾಜಕೀಯ ಪ್ರೇರಿತ 'ಮಂಗಳೂರು ರೆಸಾರ್ಟ್ ಗಲಾಟೆ'ಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸಿರಿವಂತ ಮನೆಯ ಹೆಣ್ಣುಮಕ್ಕಳಿಗಾದ ಅನ್ಯಾಯಕ್ಕೋಸ್ಕರ ಅದೆಷ್ಟು ಮಂದಿ ಬೀದಿಗಿಳಿಯಲಿಲ್ಲಾ? Facebook ತುಂಬಾ ಅದೇನೂ ಸ್ಟೇಟಸ್ Update ಗಳು, ಅದೇನೂ ಅಕ್ರೋಶ? ದಾಳಿ ಮಾಡಿದವರನ್ನು ಕೈಗೆ ಕೊಟ್ಟಿದ್ದರೆ ಕೊಂದು ಬಿಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದರೋ ಏನೋ... ಆ ರೀತಿ ಇತ್ತು ಪ್ರತಿಭಟನೆಯ ಜೋರು.

'ವಿದ್ಯಾವಂತರ ನಾಡು' ಎಂಬ ಹಣೆಪಟ್ಟಿ ಕಟ್ಟಿಕೊಂಡು ಬೀಗುವ ಮಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಜನತೆಯ Hypocricy ಯನ್ನು ಮೆಚ್ಚಲೇ ಬೇಕು. ಯಾವನೋ ಒಬ್ಬ DJ, ಶೋಕಿಗಾಗಿ, ಮೋಜಿಗಾಗಿ ಪರವಾನಿಗೆ ಇಲ್ಲದ ಕಟ್ಟಡವೊಂದರಲ್ಲಿ ರಾತ್ರಿ ಕೆಲ ಹೆಸರಾಂತ ವಿದ್ಯಾಸಂಸ್ಥೆಗಳ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿನಿಯರಯರ ಕೂಡಿ ಹಾಕಿ Birthday celebrate ಮಾಡಿದ್ದನ್ನು ಸಂಘಟನೆಯೊಂದು ಆಕ್ಷೇಪಿಸಿದ್ದು ಮಹಾಪರಾಧ ಆಗಿತ್ತು ನಿಮಗೆಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ. ನೀವು ಮಾಡಿದ್ದು, ಬೀದಿಗಿಳಿದಿದ್ದು, ಹುಡುಗಿಯರ ಪರವಾಗಿ ನಿಂತದ್ದು ಎಲ್ಲವೂ ಸರಿ. ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಬ್ಬ ಮಂಗಳೂರಿನ ನಾಗರೀಕನು ಮಾಡಬೇಕಾದ ಕೆಲಸವನ್ನೇ ಮಾಡಿದ್ದೀರಾ. ಮಹಿಳೆಯರ ಮೇಲೆ ಕೈ ಎತ್ತುವುದು ಷಂಡತನದ ಪರಮಾವಧಿ ಎಂದು ಸಾರಿ ಸಾರಿ ದಿಲ್ಲಿಗೂ ಕೇಳುವ ಹಾಗೆ ಬೊಬ್ಬಿಟ್ಟಿದ್ದೂ ಆಯಿತು. ಆಗ ಅದೆಷ್ಟು ಮಹಿಳಾಪರರು, ಬುದ್ದಿಜೀವಿಗಳು ವಿಪರೀತ ಖಾಳಜಿ ತೋರಿಸುತ್ತ ಮಂಗಳೂರಿಗೆ ದೌಡಯಿಸಲಿಲ್ಲಾ? ಗೌರಿ ಲಂಕೇಶ್ ಅಂತೂ 'ದಾಳಿಕೋರರ ಧರ್ಮವನ್ನೇ' ಅಪರಾಧಿ ಸ್ಥಾನದಲ್ಲಿ ನಿಲ್ಲಿಸಿದ್ದಳು. ಆಕೆಯ ಕೆಳಲಾಗದ, ಅವಾಚ್ಯ ಶಬ್ದಗಳನ್ನೇ ಜೋಡಿಸಿ ಮಾಡಿದ ಭಾಷಣ ಮಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಜನತೆಗೆ ಹಿತವಾಗಿ ಕೇಳಿಸಿತ್ತು. ಯಾರೂ ಏನನ್ನು ಅನ್ನಲಿಲ್ಲ. ಹೊರಗಿನವರನ್ನು ಬಿಡಿ, ಅಂದು ಮಂಗಳೂರಿಗೆ ಮಂಗಳೂರೇ ದಾಳಿಕೋರರ ವಿರುದ್ಧ ಎದ್ದು ನಿಂತಿತ್ತು. Canara, Agnes, St. Aloysius ಕಾಲೇಜು ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿನಿಯರಂತೂ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಟೀವಿ ಚಾನೆಲ್ ಗಳ ಮುಂದೆ ಮಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಮಾನ-ಮರ್ಯಾದೆ ಮೂರು ಕಾಸಿಗೆ ಹಾರಾಜು ಹಾಕಿಬಿಟ್ರು. TV Channelಗಳೋ, ತನ್ನ TRP ಏರಿಸಲು ಎನೇಲ್ಲಾ ಕಸರತ್ತು ಮಾಡಿದವು. ಗೊತ್ತೇ ಇದೆ ನಿಮಗೆ. ಮಂಗಳೂರಿನ ನ್ಯೂಸ್ website Daiji World ಅಂತು ಆ ಘಟನೆಯನ್ನು RAPE ಎಂದು ಬಿಂಬಿಸಿತ್ತು. ಎಲ್ಲಿಯ RAPE ಎಲ್ಲಿಯ MOLESTATION? ಯಾವುದು ನಿಜ, ಯಾವುದು ಸುಳ್ಳು ಎಂದು ತಿಳಿಯಲಾರದ ಮಟ್ಟಿಗೆ ಬದಲಾಗಿದ್ದೇವೆ ನಾವು.

ಆದರೂ, ಆಗ ಎಲ್ಲೋ ಒಂದು ಕಡೆ ನಮ್ಮ ಮಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಜನತೆಯ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಒಂದು ರೀತಿಯ ಗೌರವ ಮೂಡಿತ್ತು. ಮುಂದೆಲ್ಲಾದರೂ ಈ ರೀತಿಯ ಮಹಿಳಾ ಶೋಷಣೆಗಳು ನಡೆದರೆ ಇದೇ  ರೀತಿಯ ಬೆಂಬಲ ಸಿಗುವ ಅಪೇಕ್ಷೆಯ ಭರವಸೆ ಮೂಡಿತ್ತು.

ಮಂಗಳೂರು ರೆಸಾರ್ಟ್ ಗಲಾಟೆಯ ಬಿಸಿ ಆರಿದ ಕೂಡಲೇ, October ಲ್ಲಿ ಸಂಭವಿಸಿತು ನೋಡಿ, ೧೭ರ ಬಾಲೆ 'ಸೌಜನ್ಯಳ ಅತ್ಯಾಚಾರ ಹಾಗು ಕೊಲೆ'.

ಯಾರೆಲ್ಲಾ ಪ್ರತಿಭಟಿಸಿದರು? ಸೌಜನ್ಯಳ ಆತ್ಮಕ್ಕೆ ಶಾಂತಿ ಕೋರುತ್ತ ಅದೆಷ್ಟು ಕ್ಯಾಂಡಲ್ ದೀಪಗಳು ಉರಿದವು  ಮಂಗಳೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿ? St. Agnes, St. Aloysius  ಹಾಗೂ Canara ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳು ಬೀದಿಗಿಳಿಯಲೇ ಇಲ್ಲ. ಯಾವ ಬುದ್ದಿಜೀವಿಯೂ ಮಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಕಡೆ ತಲೆ ಹಾಕಲಿಲ್ಲ. PFI, ವಿಮುಕ್ತಿ ಮಹಿಳಾ ಸ್ವಸಹಾಯ ಸಂಘಗಳ ಒಕ್ಕೂಟ, ಸಂಘ ಪರಿವಾರ, Youth For Nation, ABVP , ಬಿಜೆಪಿ ಮಹಿಳಾ ಮೋರ್ಚ ಬಿಟ್ಟರೆ ಯಾರೂ ಸೌಜನ್ಯಳಿಗೂ ನ್ಯಾಯ ಕೊಡಿಸುವ ಮನಸ್ಸು ಮಾಡಲಿಲ್ಲ. ಎಂಥಾ ವಿಪರ್ಯಾಸ ನೋಡಿ. ನಮಗೆ 'ರೆಸಾರ್ಟ್ ದಾಳಿ'  ನಮ್ಮ ಮನೆಮಗಳ ಸಾವಿಗಿಂತ ಮಿಗಿಲಾಯಿತು. ಯಾವ Daiji World ಕೂಡ ಅದನ್ನು RAPE ಅನ್ನಲಿಲ್ಲ. ಅದನ್ನು ಖಂಡಿಸಿ ಲೇಖನಗಳ ಮಹಾಪೂರವನ್ನು ಹರಿಸಲಿಲ್ಲ.

ಒಮ್ಮೆ ರಾಜಕೀಯ, ಪಕ್ಷ, ಧರ್ಮ ಬಿಟ್ಟು ಆಚೆ ಬಂದು ಯೋಚಿಸಿ ನೋಡಿ....
ದಿಲ್ಲಿ ಅತ್ಯಾಚಾರದ ಬಲಿಪಶು 'ದಾಮಿನಿ', ಮಂಗಳೂರು ರೆಸಾರ್ಟ್ ಶೋಷನೆಗೊಳಗಾದ  ಹುಡುಗಿಯರ ಕಂಡು ಕರಗಿದ ಮಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಹೃದಯಗಳು, ನಮ್ಮ ಮನೆಮಗಳು ಸೌಜನ್ಯಳಿಗೂ ಮಿಡಿದಿದ್ದರೆ ಎಷ್ಟು ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿರುತಿತ್ತು?

ಇಂತೀ
Justice For Kumari Sowjanya

Times Of India Recognized our campaign for Sowjanya.

It's been 2 months since Sowjanya's death (The facebook page for Sowjanya was created on Oct 14) we have not received any main stream media support. Yet, we will never forget the supports rendered by local papers like Karavali Ale, Lankesh Pathrike and Jaya Kirana. But to educate and let know people across the country about this brutal rape and murder of a minor girl Sowjanya, we were badly in the need of some reputed media attentions. We kept on writing on our Facebook page (Justice For Kumari Sowjanya ) about the ignorance of main stream media towards this.




On December 27, 2012, Deepthi Shridhar of Bangalore Mirror wrote "Online Campaigns For Sowjanya" in her column. I must say, this helped us to get some other media attentions some how.

On 2 January 2013, Vinobha K T of Times Of India wrote an article on under the head of Mangalore region, where he started off with headline, "Youth launches an online campaign for Ujire Rape victim'

TOI article:
An online campaign seeking justice for Nirmala (name changed), the minor girl who was found raped and murdered on October 9 at Pangala near Dharmasthala, attracts large number of youths.

Delhi gang rape has triggered uproar not only on the streets of the Capital city, but it also has echoed in social networking sites facebook, twitter etc. Similarly, facebook page for Nirmala, 17, II PU student of SDM College, Ujire, too is being attracted by many who express their anger over the delayed investigation. More than 4,000 people liked the page, which was created on October 14, and the wall has been filled with comments seeking justice in Nirmala's murder case.

Though Sowjanya's parents claim that she was also a gang rape victim, the police had come to a conclusion by arresting Santhosh Rao. "That (rape and murder) shows how much we are safe in our country... Let her soul rest in peace.." reads one of the comments.

"I totally appreciate your move. It is really a great work and is the need as well. We should fight against this. We will be with you. Lets go ahead," wrote student Mahesh Kumar on the wall.

"We feel so ashamed at what they did to you (Nirmala). You need to get justice if your soul has to rest in peace," Yogesh Gupta, executive director of a company wrote from Melbourne.

Shafi Bantwal from Riyadh has a different take on Nirmala's case. "The culprits wanted to hand over the case to COD. Because, after some years COD will provide a B report and people will forget the victim."

Nishmita Rai, a student, told TOI that online campaigns through facebook, twitter and other social networking medias motivates youths and provide platform to discuss. "Youth needs to launch parallel agitation to put pressure on the government," she added.

It may be recalled that parents of Nirmala had alleged that she was murdered after a 'gang rape' by at least three or more persons. Parents of the minor girl had made the allegation before Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights chairman HR Umesh Aradhya during his recent visit.

Bhuvith Shetty
Mangalore