Gauri Lankesh murder: SIT probe is on

Bengaluru: The SIT probe on Senior Journalist Gauri Lankesh’s murder case has been strengthened with 40 additional support staff as investigators continue to grope for clues, seven days after the senior journalist was shot dead, creating a national outrage.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by Inspector General of Police (Intelligence) BK Singh, comprises 21 officers.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Bengaluru West) MN Anucheth said, “Additional staff has been provided to the SIT. At this juncture, we do not want to reveal their names and identity”.

Police sources said the team was scrambling through the footage of CCTV installed by individuals in Rajarajeshwarinagar, where on the night of 5 September unknown assailants shot dead 55-year-old Lankesh at her home.

They said police have also taken the digital video recorders at the toll gates on five entry points to the city.

One of the aspects of the investigation was to check the involvement of sharp shooters from outside the city.

Recently, three Raichur-based labourers who were working at a construction site behind Gauri’s house were also questioned as they claimed to have seen the murderers flee on two bikes.

The labourers told the police that after they heard the gunshots, the dogs started barking and when they came out to see what was happening, they saw two bikes passing by with men on them wearing helmets and jackets. They did not notice the registration plates, SIT sources said.

Further probe is on.