Karnataka CM orders SIT probe
new delhi — The Union Home Ministry on Wednesday sought a detailed report from the Karnataka government on the killing of Gauri Lankesh even as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the SIT probe headed by a Inspector General level officer.
“Ministry of Home Affairs has asked for a report from the Karnataka government on the killing of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh,” a Home Ministry official said.
Briefing reporters after chairing a meeting of senior police officials with Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy here to take stock of the investigation, he said he had told the police that the case should be taken ‘very seriously.’ “I have given direction
Last week also she had met me, but never told me anything Siddaramaiah, Karnataka CM
to the police that this case should be taken very seriously and it should be investigated exclusively by a special team, so a Special Investigation Team headed by IG level officer will be constituted immediately,” Siddaramaiah said.
Stating that Karnataka DGP and IGP have been asked to constitute an SIT, he said, “They will take up the investigation very seriously and this investigation will be purely for this incident.” No deadline has been fixed for the SIT, but they have been asked to take up the work immediately, he said.
When pointed out to the chief minister that Gauri’s brother Indrajit Lankesh has asked for a CBI probe into the incident, Siddaramaiah said the government was not opposed to a CBI probe. “Let us see, we have constituted SIT now, let them investigate. If the family members are very particular, I am with an open mind,” he said.
Siddaramaiah said Gauri, who used to meet him often, never told him about any fear or threat. ‘Last week also she had met me, but never told me anything. Her death is shocking news for me also, it is a great loss. She was close to me since her father’s days,’ he said. — IANS, PTI