Assassinated writer, editor and activist Gauri Lankesh (55), shot dead by unidentified assailants last evening at the gate of her house in Bengaluru, was laid to rest on Wednesday afternoon at the Chamarajpet cemetery.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accompanied by Ministers Ramalinga Reddy, KR Ramesh Kumar and Umashree, laid wreath on the mortal remains as friends, family members and people she worked with sang songs to bid her a last tearful farewell. Friends and family said that no religious ritual would be performed for the feisty and outspoken journalist.
Her eyes were donated according to her wishes, informed her brother Indrajit Lankesh. Minto Ophthalmic Hospital completed the procedure. “Her dream was to donate her eyes. In this moment of pain, I've found a little relief because a patient got back eyesight because Gauri donated her eyes,” he told ANI.
Meanwhile journalists, writers and members of civil society held protest meetings across the country on Wednesday to condemn the murder. Reports from 20 cities had come by early afternoon and multiple meetings were held in some cities.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that he had an “open mind” for a probe by the CBI in the case.
Karnataka Home Minister T B Jayachandra has said a link cannot be ruled out between the murders of Lankesh and that of scholar MM Kalburgi who was shot dead two years ago when he opened his door to his killers in Dharwad, around 400 kilometres from Bengaluru.
Bengaluru police believe that the murder was well planned and executed by professionals. The major findings of the police investigation so far are :
A high alert has been declared in Bengaluru city since Tuesday night to apprehend suspects. Police personnel are on call to quell any law and order situation in the city.
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