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Protest in Karnataka as activists condemns felicitation of Gauri Lankesh murder accused by right-wing groups

Kavitha Lankesh condemns the glorification of her sister’s accused murderers, calling for fast-track justice as protests erupt across the state against the public felicitation of those linked to Gauri’s assassination

On October 22, 2024, members of the Gauri Memorial Trust and Gauri Balaga staged a protest in Shivamogga, condemning the recent felicitation of individuals accused in the murder of journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh. The demonstrators gathered outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office, expressing outrage over the public honouring of Parashuram Waghmore and Manohar Yadwe, two men accused of involvement in Lankesh’s murder. Both had been recently released on bail, and members of the right-wing group Srirama Sene in Vijayapura honoured them upon their release.

The protesters strongly objected to the celebration of the accused, stating, “The act of honouring those accused of murder is tantamount to endorsing the crime itself.” They urged Karnataka’s Home Minister to take legal action against the individuals involved in organising the felicitation and ensure that those responsible for the murder face swift justice. In their memorandum to the Home Minister, they emphasised the urgency of prosecuting the accused, condemning the glorification of criminals.

The protest also drew parallels to similar incidents, such as the honouring of individuals convicted in the Bilkis Bano case, raising concerns about a growing trend of celebrating those who commit violent acts. 

Kavita Lankesh and others decry glorification of accused:

Kavita Lankesh, sister of Gauri Lankesh, expressed shock and anguish over the recent events, describing the glorification of her sister’s alleged killers as deeply “disturbing.” Speaking to The Quint, she expressed frustration over the delays in the judicial process, which have allowed the accused to secure bail. “Our family has suffered enough, and now we must witness those responsible for Gauri’s death being honored,” she had said. Kavita revealed plans to meet with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to demand the formation of a special or fast-track court to handle her sister’s case.

She added that the investigation into Gauri’s murder had initially progressed under Siddaramaiah’s previous tenure as chief minister, with 100 people assigned to the case. However, delays in prosecution, combined with the recent release of the accused, have left her questioning the effectiveness of the legal system. “If there is no follow-up, what is the purpose of the investigation? The case is being jeopardised, and justice delayed is justice denied,” she stressed.

Reflecting on the slow progress of justice, Kavitha pointed out that while everyone accused in the case has been granted bail, her primary concern is the delay in the legal proceedings. Although she does not oppose the bail as part of the ongoing trial, she firmly believes that the extensive delay is jeopardising the case and allowing the accused to walk free. For her, this protracted legal process is undermining the significance of the investigation.

Determined to expedite the trial, Kavitha Lankesh revealed her plans to meet Chief Minister Siddaramaiah personally, urging him to take decisive steps to prevent further delays. She intends to request the establishment of a special or fast-track court to handle Gauri’s case, ensuring that justice is served swiftly and that the accused do not escape due process.

Kavitha Lankesh expressed profound anguish and disbelief over the recent felicitation of her sister’s alleged killers, Parashuram Waghmore and Manohar Edave, by right-wing Hindutva groups in Karnataka. She described the glorification of these individuals as “disturbing and shocking,” not only to her family but also to society at large. She emphasised that honouring her sister’s alleged killers is not just an insult to her family, but also to the legacy of Gauri Lankesh and the progressive values she stood for.

Kavitha also expressed her shock at how Karnataka, a state that has long stood for progressive values and human dignity, is now witnessing the glorification of individuals accused of heinous crimes. She drew parallels between this incident and others across India where rapists and murderers have been similarly honoured, such as those involved in the Bilkis Bano case in Gujarat. For her, the fact that this is happening in Karnataka is particularly distressing and serves as a blot on the state’s reputation.

In her statement, Kavitha Lankesh made it clear that the public celebration of individuals accused of murder is not just a personal affront but a societal danger. She urged the state government, particularly the Home Minister of Karnataka, to take strict legal action against those who organised the felicitation, accusing them of instigating violence and supporting murderers.
 Protest Erupts in Bengaluru Against Felicitation of Gauri Lankesh Murder Accused

Protesters denounce broader trend of felicitating criminals

Members of the Veerashaiva Lingayat Coordination Committee and other progressive thinkers also staged a separate protest in Bengaluru on October 18, condemning the public support given to those accused in the murders of both Gauri Lankesh and scholar M M Kalburgi. The protestors also highlighted broader concerns over a growing trend of glorifying criminals, citing instances in states like Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh where convicted rapists and murderers have been celebrated. Members of ‘Eddelu Karnataka,’ a civil society group, submitted a memorandum to the Karnataka Home Minister condemning the recent events. The group emphasised that such actions tarnish the state’s long-standing reputation for upholding human values and called for legal action against those promoting violence.

In particular, they urged the government to expedite the trial of Gauri Lankesh’s murder and punish the guilty. They condemned the “felicitating of killers” as a blot on Karnataka’s social fabric, asserting that it goes against the state’s ethos of peace and justice. Prominent figures, former minister B T Lalitha Naik, former MLC Mohan Kondajji, activists K S Vimala, K R Subhash, and members of the Dalit Sangharsh Samiti, were among the protestors.

Shrikant Pangarkar’s controversial political appointment sparks outrage

In a related development, Shrikant Pangarkar, another accused in the Gauri Lankesh murder case, joined the Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on October 19, 2024. His appointment ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections sparked outrage, with opposition leaders condemning the move as a stain on the state’s governance.

However, on October 20, CM Eknath Shinde had to stay the appointment of Shrikant Pangarkar. This decision came amid criticism from opposition parties slamming Pangarkar’s re-entry into the party. A statement from the Shiv Sena on Sunday clarified that if Pangarkar had been appointed to any party post in the district, the decision has now been stayed.

Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Nana Patole sharply criticised the ruling coalition, stating, “The inclusion of Pangarkar, an accused in Gauri Lankesh’s murder, is a disgrace and tarnishes the state’s image.” Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed and NCP MP Supriya Sule also expressed their dismay, with Sule stating, “The government has sanctified a criminal, signaling a breakdown of law and order in Maharashtra.”

 

 

 

According to India Today, Shrikant was part of the undivided Shiv Sena until 2006. In 2011, after the Shiv Sena reportedly denied him a ticket to contest elections, he joined the Hindu Janajagruti Samit, where he met co-conspirators in Gauri’s murder. Pangarkar had previously been arrested by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in 2018 for possessing arms and explosives. He was linked to a right-wing extremist network responsible for planning attacks on cultural events and individuals deemed enemies of Hindutva ideology. 

According to the chargesheet filed in the Kavitha Lankesh murder case, Shrikant Pangarkar briefed all the accused on the precautions they were to undertake before, during, and after the murder. He also gave them legal training and told them what to do in case they got caught. Bharat Kurane bought Ganesh Miskin and Parashuram Waghmore the clothes they would use for the murder.

Although his appointment to the Shiv Sena was stayed amid public backlash, the episode has further fuelled criticism of the ruling government for allegedly providing a safe haven for extremists and criminals.

This recent sequence of events has intensified calls for greater accountability and justice, not only for Gauri Lankesh but also for all victims of politically motivated violence.

Related:

Murderers or Martyrs? The dangerous glorification of murdered Gauri Lankesh’s accused by Hindutva groups

Murder of Gauri Lankesh a hate crime against humanity, condemn release on bail of 8 accused: ALIFA Open letter

Gauri Lankesh assassination: 6 years down, no closure for family and friends, justice elusive

The Hasdeo Arand crisis: Tribal protesters face brutal state crackdown while standing against felling of trees

 

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