Gauri Lankesh murder: Not Left or Right, then who, says R Ramalinga Reddy

Bengaluru: Home Minister R. Ramalinga Reddy firmly scotched speculation that the ghastly murder of fiery journalist Gauri Lankesh was the work of right-wing extremists or members of the violent left wing, saying instead that the Special Investigation Team was working on a lead that was unconnected to both.

Ms Lankesh, murdered in cold blood by a bike borne gunman as she entered her home in upmarket Rajarajeshwari Nagar two weeks ago, has set off a storm as both sides trade charges.

Mr Reddy said on Friday, “The Special Investigation Team (SIT) which is probing into this case has not found any evidence so far related to involvement of right wing or left wing. These rumours are being spread by rumour mongers alone."

The minister further added that the SIT is probing a completely different angle altogether and that investigators had laid their hands on vital evidence. "I do not wish to disclose anything as of now. Let the SIT complete its investigation and let’s pray that culprits be nabbed at the earliest," he retorted to a question.

Training his guns on the opposition BJP, he said that the BJP has lost its touch with the grassroots and was playing with farmers sentiments by issuing redundant statements. “Congress has shown its commitment to protect farmers and poor in the state. Therefore, we are ahead of the rest in terms of popularity, We have nothing to learn from Mr Javadekar. We have given many welfare schemes to poor and farmers and it is the BJP which has always given "lollipops" in the name of scheme," he said.

Mr Reddy also asserted that the coalition with the Janata Dal(S) in BBMP will not break as both parties have come to an understanding over sharing of power in BBMP. "Of the five standing committees, we have tentatively agreed to part with four to JD(S), while the JD(S) has agreed to allow our party to hold on mayor's post," he said.