Sujatha Bhat seeks police protection, cites threats

BENGALURU: The complainant Sujatha Bhat, who had claimed that her daughter Ananya Bhat had been missing for several years, has requested the police for protection, citing health issues and life threats. Based on her request, the Banashankari police have provided security to her.

Sujatha Bhat had asked the police to restrict the media and the public from gathering near her house and to ensure no one approaches her residence. Accordingly, the police have deployed personnel on shifts.

Meanwhile, SIT officials are investigating the Ananya Bhat missing case. The SIT had issued a notice to Sujatha under Section 131 of the BNSS, asking her to appear for questioning in connection with Ananya Bhat’s disappearance case. However, Sujatha Bhat had cited health reasons for not appearing before the SIT.

There is a provision to record Sujatha Bhat’s statement under Section 180 of the BNS. The SIT can record statements of complainants or witnesses at their residence if they are above 60 years old or below 18 years old. The SIT officials are likely to visit her residence to record her statement with video recording, considering Sujatha Bhat’s age and health status.