Siddaramaiah's Directive: Fast-Tracking Trials in Gauri Lankesh, Kalburgi Cases

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has directed the establishment of a special court to expedite trials related to the killings of Gauri Lankesh and M M Kalburgi. Concerns raised by their families regarding delayed court proceedings led to the CM's instructions to assess the situation and take necessary actions.

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Karnataka's Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, has taken decisive steps to accelerate the judicial process concerning the tragic killings of Gauri Lankesh and M M Kalburgi. These cases, shrouded in controversy and sorrow, have spurred demands for swifter justice, prompting the CM's recent directives.

The late Gauri Lankesh, a respected journalist aligned with left-leaning ideologies, met a tragic end in September 2017, allegedly at the hands of the same group responsible for the earlier murder of the revered litterateur, M M Kalburgi, at his Dharwad residence two years prior. The echoes of these murders have reverberated through Karnataka's legal system, marked by prolonged court proceedings that have left the families of the victims deeply dissatisfied.

Siddaramaiah addressed these concerns in an administrative note, acknowledging the poignant pleas put forth by Gauri's sister, Kavitha Lankesh, and Kalburgi's wife, Umadevi. Their impassioned requests for a dedicated court and a committed judge to oversee these cases prompted the Chief Minister's proactive stance. He issued instructions to the Additional Chief Secretary, responsible for internal administration, urging a comprehensive evaluation of the situation and immediate actions to expedite the legal process.

The intensity of these cases is underscored by the details: the tragic demise of Kalburgi, a renowned scholar, who fell victim to assailants on motorcycles in Dharwad in August 2015; and the subsequent investigation into Gauri Lankesh's murder, which resulted in the arrest of 18 individuals. A substantial chargesheet comprising 1,200 pieces of evidence and testimony from 500 witnesses further highlights the gravity of these criminal proceedings.

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Despite this progress, Siddaramaiah expressed discontent with the sluggish pace of the trial since its initiation in July 2022. Kavitha Lankesh, echoing the sentiments of many seeking closure, advocated fervently for a special court, staffed with an exclusive judge to oversee the trials.

The interconnectedness of these tragedies prompted the Karnataka government's assertion, leading the Supreme Court to transfer the investigation of Kalburgi's murder to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) already handling Gauri Lankesh's case. This strategic move aligns with the state's commitment to ensuring a fair and expedited legal process for these high-profile and deeply lamentable crimes.