Hindutva activist Naveen got the bullets used to kill Gauri Lankesh: Chargesheet

Bengaluru: The Special Investigation Team probing the murder of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh today filed its first charge sheet in the sensational case, naming alleged gunrunner and Hindutva activist T Naveen Kumar as an accused.

The chargesheet alleges that Naveen procured the bullets that were used to kill Gauri outside her house on the night of September 5, 2017. He also allegedly provided local logistical support to the shooters and guided them to her house and office in Bengaluru. Naveen Kumar has been charged under section 302 (murder), 120 B (criminal conspiracy), 118 (concealing a conspiracy) and 114 (abetment to the crime) of the IPC, and also under provisions of the Arms Act, SIT sources told.

Naveen Kumar a native of Maddur, is a founder of right-wing radical outfit Hindu Yuva Sena and has alleged links with Sanatan Sanstha and its affiliate the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti.

Both the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) and its sister concern, Sanatan Sanstha are two Maharashtra/Goa based Hindutva organizations which adore MS Golwalkar. The hand of the same organizations was suspected in the murders of Narender Dabholkar, Govind Pansare and Professor MM Kalburgi.

The Charge sheet of 650-pages filed before the First Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate details the role of Naveen Kumar alone as an accomplice in the murder, which had triggered a nationwide outrage.

The charge sheet contains the statement of about 131 witnesses, the sources said. The SIT has submitted that it would submit more documents relating to the case in future.

Lankesh, 55, known for her left leaning and strong anti-Hindutva views, was shot dead in front of her house here on September five last year.

Siasat Web Team