Hyderabad: In a controversial turn of events, 16 out of the 18 accused in the high-profile murder case of journalist Gauri Lankesh have been released on bail, igniting widespread public outcry. Among those granted bail is Parashuram Waghmore, identified as the prime suspect who allegedly gunned down Lankesh in 2017, alongside another accused, Manohar Yadve. The two were recently garlanded and celebrated by members of the Shri Ram Sene in Vijayapura, Karnataka, shortly after their release.
Footage circulating on social media captured the moment Waghmore and Yadve were seen praying at a local temple, flanked by prominent figures from the Hindutva movement. This display has raised alarms among activists and the public, who view it as an endorsement of violence against dissenters. On October 9, a Bengaluru sessions court granted bail to eight of the accused, allowing for a total of 16 individuals to be out of custody, including key figures like the alleged shooter Waghmore, suspected mastermind Amol Kale, and getaway driver Ganesh Miskin.
Prior bail decisions have also included other accused parties such as Bharat Kurane, Srikanth Pangarkar, and Sudhanva Gondhalekar, further complicating the case. The murder of Gauri Lankesh, known for her fearless reporting and critique of the Narendra Modi-led BJP government and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), occurred on September 5, 2017. Lankesh was gunned down in her driveway, an act many attribute to her outspoken opposition to the rising tide of Hindutva extremism.
Actor and activist Prakash Raj, a close ally of Lankesh, expressed his disgust at the treatment of the suspects, stating, “Bail is the Rule, only for murderers and rapists in this country.” His sentiments echo a growing chorus of concern among netizens and human rights advocates regarding the implications of the accused receiving such public acknowledgment. As the legal proceedings continue, the release of these accused individuals raises questions about the integrity of the judicial process and the safety of journalists in a country where dissent is increasingly met with hostility. The public remains watchful as the case unfolds, with demands for justice for Gauri Lankesh firmly at the forefront of the conversation.