Sameer MD on Dharmasthala Soujanya Case: YouTuber Denies ₹35 Lakh Bribery Allegation Amid Rising Backlash

Popular Kannada YouTuber Sameer MD has recently come under the spotlight after his discussion on the Dharmasthala Soujanya case went viral on various social media platforms. The video garnered widespread attention and reactions from netizens. Addressing the backlash, Sameer MD questioned why people were dragging caste and religion into the issue.

"I really don't know why netizens are making this a caste or religious issue," Sameer MD said. He further claimed that his phone number and home address had been leaked and that some individuals were looking for him with intentions to harm him. Expressing concern for his safety, he stated, "I can't tell what will happen to me hereafter, so I request content creators to raise this issue." He also urged the Kannada YouTube community to unite and showcase their collective strength.

He also further said that the troll pages supporting the case have alleged that Sameer MD accepted a bribe of Rs. 35 lakh to cover this Soujanya case on his Dhootha Channel. The YouTuber has strongly denied these accusations, stating, "I don't even have money to pay my editor. Why are they dragging this issue?"

Controversy Over Video Removal

The controversy escalated on March 4 after Sameer MD's YouTube video on the Dharmasthala Soujanya case reportedly disappeared from the platform. This led to widespread speculation about the reasons behind its removal. Social media discussions, particularly on Instagram, suggested that the video was no longer accessible. However, some users claimed it could still be viewed using a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

A user on X (formerly Twitter) commented on Sameer MD's credibility, stating that while some details in his videos might be inaccurate, his dedication to producing well-researched and neutral content should be appreciated. The user also expressed hope that Sameer MD's influence would inspire more Kannada YouTubers to engage in investigative journalism.

The Dharmasthala Soujanya Case

The controversy surrounding Sameer MD's video ties into the long-standing debate over the Dharmasthala Soujanya case, which has remained unresolved for over a decade. On September 13, 2024, the Karnataka High Court denied a request for a new investigation into the tragic 2012 rape and murder of 17-year-old Soujanya, a student from SDM College in Ujire. The court upheld the acquittal of the only accused, Santhosh Rao, emphasizing that the trial court had thoroughly assessed the evidence and that reopening the case would likely produce no new insights.

Soujanya's father, Chandappa Gowda, had appealed for the court to instruct the CBI to reassess the case, but the High Court ruled against it, citing a lack of sufficient evidence against the accused. The case, dating back to October 9, 2012, was primarily built on circumstantial evidence due to the absence of eyewitness accounts. The court expressed concerns about the likelihood of obtaining new evidence after such a significant lapse in time, particularly due to shortcomings in the original investigation.

In relation to Santhosh Rao's request for compensation for wrongful prosecution, the court clarified that he could pursue legal action through the appropriate judicial avenues.

As interest in the Dharmasthala Soujanya case continues to grow, the controversy surrounding Sameer MD's video has heightened the intrigue.