Gauri Lankesh murder: Karnataka home minister says SIT has got vital clue

The Karnataka government has provided security to writers and intellectuals who they felt were under threat.

Karnataka home minister Ramalinga Reddy said on Saturday that the special investigation team probing the murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh had hit upon a vital clue that would help them solve the case.

Members of the National Human Rights and Crime Control Organisation in a candle-light vigil in Amritsar on Friday to condemn the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh. (PTI Photo)

Reddy was addressing journalists after a meeting with top officials of the police department. “The police have got a vital clue in the case, which we cannot reveal at the moment,” Reddy said.

“The SIT has been working on this case for three days now. They will crack the case soon,” he said.

Indira Lankesh, mother of the slain journalist, met chief minister Siddaramaiah during the day. A person who attended the meet said it was a courtesy call as the family knew Siddaramaiah well.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Siddaramaiah said: “I told them that truth should come out and Gauri Lankesh must receive justice. I have assured her that we are putting all efforts to catch the culprits,” he said.

“(Congress president) Sonia Gandhi also spoke to me. She asked me to ensure the culprits were caught quickly,” he said.

Meanwhile, the state government has gone ahead and provided security to writers and intellectuals who they felt were under threat.

Police sources did not reveal the people who have been provided security.

However, veteran journalist and writer Patil Puttappa confirmed to HT that he had been provided security.

“They had sent a gunman but I asked the person to go. I don’t need any security,” he said. “I have not received any threatening calls,” he added.