Mother, Activists Unhappy With Composition Of SIT Formed For Fresh Probe Into 2012 Rape And Murder Case

The State government on Thursday appointed IGP N Shashikumar as head of the five-member SIT. Mangaluru City Police Commissioner CH Sudheer Kumar Reddy, Intelligence SP Nisha James, CID SP Lokesh Jagalsar and Bengaluru Rural Additional SP Venkatesh Prasanna are the other members. The team has been given three months to complete the investigation and submit its report.

In a statement issued on Friday, the victim's mother thanked the Supreme Court for ordering the fresh investigation but said her family was unhappy with the SIT constituted by the State government.

“A senior-ranking officer and a DNA expert are required for the investigation as clearly stated by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in paragraph 61(iii) of its order. The appointment of the head of the Special Investigation Team has not been made in accordance with those directions,” she stated.

Social activist Shekhar Laila, who has been fighting for justice since 14 years has demanded the removal of Shashikumar, who has been appointed as the head of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted to investigate the case, and Venkatesh Prasanna, a member of the SIT alleging that they were facing several allegations.

“The Supreme Court had ordered a fresh investigation after expressing dissatisfaction with the inadequate investigations conducted earlier by the CID, CBI and SIT into the incident that took place 14 years ago.

However, it is not appropriate to appoint police officers who have faced inquiries over several allegations, including corruption and dereliction of duty, to a team constituted to investigate such an important case,” he stated.

He said that of the two officers, Shashikumar faces allegations of corruption, dereliction of duty and failure in maintaining law and order, while Venkatesh Prasanna faces allegations of corruption, links with underworld elements and allegations in connection with the murder of young lawyer Naushad Kasimji.

“It is impossible to expect an objective and quality investigation from such officers. I urge the State government to immediately remove both officers from the team and appoint the most efficient and honest officers in the State so that justice can be delivered in the 14-year-long fight for justice,” he demanded.

The ‘Kondavaru Yaaru?’ (Who Killed Women in Dharmasthala?) campaign activists, in an open letter to Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Home Minister Priyank Kharge, have sought reconstitution of the SIT.

The campaign has questioned the choice of an IGP-rank officer to head the team, arguing that the Supreme Court's direction called for an investigation under a senior police officer. It has sought a DG- or ADGP-rank officer to head the team and forensic expertise to be included in the investigation.
The campaign has also raised allegations against Shashikumar and Venkatesh Prasanna and sought their removal from the team.