Gauri Lankesh Murder Case: Four Pointers From Key Accused Naveen Kumar's Confession

Bengaluru, June 11: KT Naveen Kumar, the first accused arrested in Gauri Lankesh murder case, confessed of being involved in the sensational murder case which shook the civil society of Karnataka. Here are four key pointers from his confession statement:

'Anti-Hindu Lankesh Had to be Killed'

Naveen, 37, said he was determined to murder journalist Gauri Lankesh as her writings were "against Hindu gods and Hinduism". Showing no remorse over his crime, the Hindutva activist said she "had to be killed for her anti-Hindu views".

'Planned Assassination With Praveen'

Naveen claimed he planned the assassination with Praveen, a 37-year-old Mangaluru-based Hindutva activist associated with the Sanatan Sanstha. Praveen, arrested by the Karnataka police on May 29, has been charged as the murderer of Lankesh. He fired the fatal bullets on September 5, 2017, the police claims.

Names HJS Convenor

Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS), a sister organisation of the Sanatan Sanstha, has been dragged into the murder case through the confession statements of Naveen. Naveen told the interrogators that he met Praveen via Mohan Gowda, the convenor of HJS.

Plotting to Kill KS Bhagwan

Naveen claims he was in touch in with Praveen, along with Anil, a Hindutva activist from Srirangapatna. The trio, he claims, were planning the murder of noted rationalist and author KS Bhagwan.

Naveen was arrested on February 18 with gun and bullets which he had to handover to Praveen for Bhagwan's assassination.

HJS chief Mohan Gowda has rubbished the allegations levelled against his outfit, calling it a ploy of Karnataka Police to frame "pro-Hindutva leaders". Gowda claims the statement from Naveen was extracted through coercive methods, including "brutal torture".

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 11, 2018 01:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).