Gauri Lankesh murder: SIT names three more accused

The Karnataka SIT has named three more persons as accused in the Gauri Lankesh murder case. The SIT has now sought the custody of these persons for interrogation.

Amol Kale alias Bhaisab, 39, from Maharashtra; Amit Degwekar alias Pradeep, 39, from Goa; and Manohar Edave, 28, from Karnataka have been named as accused. They were arrested a few days ago for plotting to kill writer K S Bhagwan at his home in Mysuru.

Sujeet Kumar alias Praveen, 37, from Karnataka, also arrested in the Bhagwan case has already been named as an accused in the case.

On Wednesday the SIT had filed a chargesheet in the case and named K T Naveen Kumar as the prime accused. It was alleged that Kumar had procured bullets that were used to kill Gauri on September 5 2017. He is also alleged to have provided logistic support to the shooters apart from guiding them to her house on that fateful night.

This is however the first chargesheet and there would be additional ones as the probe agency indicated that the investigation was still underway.

In the chargesheet which recorded the statements of 131 witnesses, the SIT has relied on the call records of Kumar. He is heard speaking to a friend of his, Anil Kumar from Maddur. During the conversation, he is heard boasting about his involvement in the murder.

Kumar has been booked under Sections 118 (concealing design to commit offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life), 114 ( abettor being present when offence is committed) 120 (B) (criminal conspiracy) 35 (when such an act is criminal by reason of its being done with a criminal knowledge or intention), 118, 35 ( not cooperating with the police and concealing details even after his arrest and Sections 3 and 25 of the Indian Arms Act.