The Special Investigating Team (SIT) has started its probe into the murder of journalist- activist Gauri Lankesh with the Karnataka government saying today it was hopeful of nabbing the assailants “as soon as possible.”
The state government on Wednesday announced the formation of a 21-member SIT team headed by IGP (Intelligence) B K Singh with DCP (West) M N Anucheth as the Investigating Officer to probe the killing of Gauri that led to a wave of countrywide protests and condemnation across the political spectrum.
“SIT members have started their investigation into the Gauri Lankesh murder case and the state government is hopeful of nabbing the assailants as soon as possible,” state Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy told reporters.
Replying to a query, Reddy said the Inquiry Officer has been given full freedom to probe the matter and make public information as and when required.
Asked whether police had given some hints on the ideological identity of the assailant based on prima facie evidence gathered by them, Reddy said, “The duty of SIT members is to investigate and nab the assailants. They may have some prima facie evidence, but they have the prerogative of not making it public.”
He said police are screening footage of the seized CCTV, which was fixed at the location where the 55-year-old outspoken journalist was gunned down.
