Who Killed Gauri Lankesh? Siblings See Things Differently

The Lankesh siblings, it appears, are not on the same page as far as investigation into the murder of their sister journalist, Gauri Lankesh, who was shot dead last year, is concerned.

As reported by news agencies, the meet to commemorate the slain journalists’ birthday yesterday (29 January) saw the difference in views between the two siblings come to the fore with brother Indrajit deciding to move the High Court asking for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as he sought a “fair probe”.

Gauri’s sister, Kavitha, on the other hand, seemed to be content with the proceedings and is said to have expressed confidence on the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case, as reported.

“Today is Gauri’s birthday; it has been almost five months now... the investigation is like stagnant water. I personally feel that politically it (investigation) is going as one-sided,” Indrajit is said to have told reporters.

“Today I have taken a decision… I have also spoken to our advocate. Very soon I will approach the High Court requesting for a CBI probe, because for five months SIT has done its job. But I somewhere feel that due to political pressure they are investigating in one particular angle,” he added.

But his sister, Kavitha, seemed to have no such doubts as she expressed her trust in the investigating agency and the progress it had made in the probe.

“There has been good progress. They have evidence but are taking time so that they have solid evidence to avoid any gaps. I trust them,” she said, as quoted.

Commenting on Indrajit’s comments and decision to seek a CBI probe, she responded saying it would only give out the wrong message as the investigation would have to start from the beginning. “I don't know what he is saying... without speaking to (SIT) officers or knowing things, it is wrong to comment.”

She added that none of the 13 cases from Karnataka that were being investigated by the CBI had been solved yet.

The differences seemed to grow murkier, with both siblings differing even on the observance of ‘Gauri Day’. The event saw the likes of Gujarat Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Jignesh Mevani, actor Prakash Raj, Jawaharlal Nehru University student leaders Kanhaiya Kumar, Shehla Rashid and Umar Khalid, among others in attendance, while Indrajit was conspicuous by his absence and termed the event as one sponsored by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Dismissing her brother’s claims, Kavitha said the event was organised by Gauri Memorial Trust and the government had nothing to do with it.

Going by the chain of events, it doesn’t seem like the siblings will bury the hatchet anytime soon. Or is there more than meets the eye?