Days after the chilling murder of senior journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru, the Karnataka Home Minister and the Special Investigation Team seem to be contradicting each other regarding the progress made in the probe.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Karnataka Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy said that the SIT has managed to collect “crucial clues” and the perpetrators will be caught soon. This after the police announced Rs 10 lakh reward for the public on information on the murder.
“The SIT is investigating the case and there's progress, but I cannot reveal everything to the media," the minister said following a meeting with top police officials.
The minister’s statements reportedly caught the SIT members off-guard.
"We have got no clue so far,” an official part of the SIT told Deccan Herald, on condition of anonymity.
"Evidence such as fingerprints on the gate or compound and hair samples have all been washed away," a source told TOI.
A 19-member-SIT led by IGP Intelligence BK Singh is probing the murder as directed by CM Siddaramaiah. Three teams of detectives have been set up to probe the case and so far, footage from more than 30 CCTVs in the locality are being examined. Officers from Dakshina Kannada district have also been sought to assist the probe. The police in the state have also asked their counterparts in Andhra Pradesh for help.
Meanwhile, the slain journalist’s mother has told CM Siddaramaiah that she has no faith in the Central Bureau of Investigation.
So far, one 22-year-old unemployed youth has been arrested for posting hate messages regarding the murder of the veteran journalist. However, it is yet to be ascertained if the man is related to the murder.
Known for her staunch views against the RSS and right wing outfits, Gauri was shot dead at point blank range at her residence in Bengaluru on the night of September 5, following which widespread protests erupted across the country.
