New twist: IPS officer Soumyalatha exits SIT

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: In a fresh twist to the sensitive investigations into alleged criminal activities in Dharmasthala and surrounding areas, two key officers, IPS officer Soumyalatha and another non-IPS officer have decided to step down from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Karnataka government. Following allegations related to certain incidents in and around Dharmasthala, the Karnataka State Women’s Commission had written to the government on July 14, demanding a thorough probe.

Lawyers and social activists had also pressed for an investigation into the claims made by an individual in a statement recorded before a judge. Acting on this, the government formed an SIT on July 20 to conduct a probe.The SIT is headed by Pranav Mohanty, Director General of Police, Internal Security Division. It included M.N. Anucheth , DIG of Police Recruitment Division, DCP Soumyalatha of CAR Headquarters, and SP Jitendra Kumar Dayama from the Internal Security Division.

A total of 20 officers — including inspectors, sub-inspectors, head constables and constables — were de ployed on the orders of DG & IGP M.A. Saleem on July 22.

According to sources, Soumyalatha wrote to SIT chief Pranav Mohanty citing personal reasons for her withdrawal and requested to be relieved from SIT duties. She had skipped a key SIT meeting at the CID office to finalise the investigation roadmap.