In the wake of Santhosh's acquittal, the Sowjanya case has generated considerable public attention and scrutiny, prompting various right-wing and advocacy groups to organise protests calling for a fresh inquiry into the case.
The All India Progressive Women's Association (AIPWA) called for immediate action against responsible officials and demanded that the government publicly disclose the steps being taken to re-investigate the case.
The family believes that the real culprits were shielded by the police because of their proximity to Veerendra Heggade, administrator of Dharmasthala temple and a Rajya Sabha MP.
The victim’s family had alleged that the real culprits were being protected in Dharmasthala because they enjoyed the patronage of a powerful religious leader considered a living deity by his followers.