Mother of medical student who went missing in 2003 meets Dakshina Kannada SP

Mangaluru: The mother of a medical student, who went missing in Dharmasthala in 2003, met Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police Dr Arun K on Monday evening and sought justice that has remained elusive for over two decades.

Sujatha, accompanied by an advocate, met SP at his chambers and informed that her daughter Ananya Bhat, then a first year MBBS student in KMC, during a visit to Dharmasthala along with other students had gone missing in 2003.

In the complaint, a copy of which was shared with media people by advocate Manjunath N, Sujatha informed that her missing complaint was not accepted by then Beltangadi police.

Sujatha, who was serving as stenographer in CBI in Kolkatta, alleged in her complaint that temple staff attired in white had assaulted her and had warned of dire consequences if she continued the search for her daughter.

Sujatha from Bengaluru later told media people outside the SP office that the man's confessions of having buried many victims of sexual assault in Dharmasthala had ignited fresh hopes in her.  

Without naming any individuals Sujatha expressed willingness to undergo a polygraph test along with other suspects who were in possession of vital information about her daughter.

Sujatha wiping away tears said she hoped to receive the remains of her daughter in order to perform the last rites and ensure that her daughter's soul rests in peace.

"During the meeting I was directed to file a complaint at Dharmasthala police station by SP," Sujatha informed when media people sought information about the next course of her action.