Gauri Lankesh murder: Still a long way to go before probe is complete

The much awaited chargesheet in the Gauri Lankesh murder case was filed by the special investigation team on Wednesday. The charges were filed against K T Naveen Kumar who was arrested in the month of March.

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. The SIT says that efforts are on to nab the other persons involved in the crime. The agency also sought the custody of Praveen, who is accused of threatening Mysore based rationalist, K S Bhagavan.

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.