A day after slain activist Gauri Lankesh's mother reposed faith in the Karnataka government appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe into the case, writers and activists stood divided over the issue.
Writer K. Marulasiddappa, while addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, on Sunday as part of 'I am Gauri: Gauri Lankesh Hatye Virodhi Horata Vedike', demanded a Supreme Court monitored probe into Gauri's killing, expressing fear that the death was assuming a political hue. However, the other members of the Vedike were quick to insist they favoured the SIT probe. They demanded a speedy investigation in the case by SIT, to "determine" the people and forces behind the killing.
While admitting that the probe into the killing of rationalist M.M. Kalburgi had been slack (as investigations have yielded little in the last two years), Marulasiddappa said, "We see politics being played out in Gauri's case. So, the Supreme Court should take suo motu cognizance and set up a team to probe the case."
Actor-activist Chethan reminded the state government of its "responsibility" of protecting free voices. "Kalburgi had life threats, but was not given security. And we saw how he was brutally killed. In Gauri's case, it was an act of terrorism. The CM knew her well. Yet failed to protect her. The state government has learnt a lesson and I hope it will ensure justice through SIT probe and also prevent such violence in future,"said Chethan.
"When someone wants to attack democratic ethos, they first target progressive thinkers and the media. And Gauri represented both,"added Chethan.
Writer Chandrashekar Patil expressed concern over the rise of fascist forces in the country and asserted that it was time to collectively resist the culture of violence. "The SIT probe is heading in the right direction," said Champa, though he did not elaborate on why it should not be transferred to the central agency, even after the CID (state) probe into Kalburgi's death hit a dead-end.
Activist K.L. Ashok clarified that the Vedike preferred SIT as the family was in favour of SIT and they did not want any confusion at this stage. Ashok also claimed that there was no doubt who Gauri's enemies were. "She was against the right-wing fundamentalists and has been attacked by communal groups earlier, too," claimed Ashok.
Condemning Gauri's trollers in the social media, Marulasiddappa said it was worrisome as these trollers were being followed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Writer B.T. Lalita Naik said she suspected communal forces behind the killing, though Gauri has been writing against the communal forces, capitalists and the corrupt for obvious reasons. "Even the British tolerated Gandhi for 50 years. When we used to write for Lankesh Patrike, no one opposed or attacked us. Of course, cases used to be filed against us in court," said Naik.
Rally on Tuesday
On September 12, a national level rally will be taken out from Bengaluru city railway station to Central College grounds, to protest against the threat to democracy and pluralism in India. "A day-long cultural protest will be held to protest against the culture of violence. It is to give out a message that we will not be intimidated by fascist forces. Activists and progressive thinkers including Medha Patkar, Teesta Setalvad, Jignesh Mewani, Yogendra Yadav, Ganesh Devy, Sitaram Yechury, P. Sainath are among a host of writers, organisations and representative of social and political movements who will take part in the event," said K. Neela, convener of the Vedike.
