Gauri Lankesh, a senior journalist, editor, and activist known for her strong opposition to Hindutva forces, was shot dead on Tuesday evening outside her home in Bengaluru. The assailants pumped four bullets into Lankesh, who was returning home and had just opened the gate to her residence around 8 pm. Neighbors, hearing what they thought were firecrackers, discovered her lying in a pool of blood.
Police suspect the assailants may have been following Lankesh or waiting for her arrival. CCTV footage, which Lankesh had installed at the urging of friends due to previous threats, is expected to provide vital clues in the investigation. Lankesh had faced constant threats from right-wing groups due to her outspoken views.
This murder has drawn parallels with the 2015 killing of rationalist M.M. Kalburgi, who was shot dead in a similar fashion. Police have linked the same weapons used in the murders of Kalburgi, Govind Pansare, and Narendra Dabholkar, other rationalists who were targeted for their views.
Lankesh's friends and supporters, including women's rights activist K.S. Vimala, believe her murder was a result of her opposition to communal forces. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the murder and announced the formation of three police teams to investigate the case. Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy refrained from speculating on the motives but confirmed that both personal and ideological reasons would be explored.
Lankesh had recently been working to reintegrate people involved with the Naxal movement back into mainstream society with the cooperation of the Karnataka government. BJP leaders condemned the attack but stressed the importance of a thorough investigation.