Bengaluru: In an alarmingly surprising development, Hindutva groups in Karnataka on Friday felicitated two key accused in the murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh after their release on bail. Parasuram Waghmore and Manohar Yadawe, who were granted bail by a special court on October 9, were welcomed by members of the Sangh Parivar and Sri Ram Sena in their hometown of Vijayapura, reported The Indian Express.
Upon their arrival, the duo offered prayers at the Kalika temple and were garlanded by members of these groups. They also paid tribute to a statue of Shivaji at Shivaji Circle. Photos and videos of the event circulated widely on social media.
Gauri Lankesh, a vocal critic of right-wing extremism, was shot dead on September 5, 2017, outside her home in Bengaluru. The police arrested 25 individuals in connection with the case, of which 18 have been granted bail. The most recent bail grants follow earlier releases, including that of N Mohan Nayak and others involved in the case.
This is not the first time such accused have been publicly honored. In August, former BJP MP Pratap Simha was seen felicitating another accused, drawing criticism from opposition leaders. Congress representatives have raised concerns, questioning why alleged murderers are being celebrated by those associated with the BJP. After felicitating the rapists of Bilkis Bano, they now honor the murderers of Gauri Lankesh. Such actions suggest that certain elements in society may be beyond redemption.
The continued celebration of those accused of heinous crimes has reignited debates about the growing radicalization and political backing of individuals involved in acts of violence, casting a shadow on law enforcement and justice in the state.
