Journalist Gauri Lankesh Shot Dead in front of her House

Prominent journalist Gauri Lankesh was shot dead in front of her by unknown assailants in a pattern that is consistent with the death of MM Kalburgi

Eminent Kannada Journalist Gauri Lankesh, the edit of 'Lankesh Patrike', was shot dead by three unknown assailants. It is alleged that the shooters were waiting for her outside her in Rajajeswari Nagar. They shot at her when she was attempting open the doors of her house after returning from her office in Gandhi Nagar. They opened fire and fled the scene; three bullets caught her in the chest and neck, while four hit the wall behind her. 

Senior Police Officials, including Police Commissioner T Suneel Kumar, rushed to the spot and cordoned off the scene of the crime. The body was later shifted to the Government Victoria Hospital for the post mortem. According to Ramalinga Reddy, State's Home Minister, tThe incident took place around 19:45. 

Gauri Lankesh was a prominent thinker, social activist and part of the progressive movement. She batted for human rights and was actively involved in the reforming of the Naxalites. She was an important voice against the RSS and right wing ideology. Last year, she was convicted in a defamation case which was filed by Minister of Parliament Pralhad Joshi.  

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah took to twitter to express his shock over the murder saying that it was a heinous and inhumane attack on her. 

Recalling his association with Gauri from her early days as a journalist he said that she was also actively involved in reforming Naxalites. 

While speaking to the press, the Chief Minister said that three police teams have been formed to nab the culprits, "Initial information suggests that Gauri Lankesh was entering her residence in Rajarajeshwari Nagar when miscreants shot at her. Neighbours heard the gunshots and rushed out. The identity of the assailants is yet to be established," Malini Krishnamoorthy, Additional Commissioner told newsmen.