Mumbai: Various media organisations led by the Mumbai Press Club and Bombay Union of Journalists today condemned the killing of Kannda journo Gauri Lankesh and sought a speedy probe in the case.
Gauri, known for her left-leaning outlook and forthright views on Hindutva politics, was shot dead by unidentified assailants at her residence in Bengaluru last night.
A candlelight vigil will be held at the press club here this evening, its secretary Dharmendra Jore said. "To protest and condemn the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh, there will be a candlelight vigil of journalists starting from the Mumbai Press Club at 7 pm today," he said.
Apart from the Mumbai Press Club, TV Journalists Association, Photographers Association and Network of Women in Media will join the protests, Jore said. Some social activists have also organised a protest meeting in suburban Bandra this evening to condemn the killing.
Gauri, 55, had returned home in her car and was opening the gate when motorcycle-borne assailants fired at her indiscriminately, with two bullets hitting her in the chest and one on her forehead, police officials said. She died instantaneously.
Members of the literary community spoke out strongly against the murder, calling it an attempt to “silence those who believe in democracy and decency”.
Journalists in in Bengaluru protested against Gauri Lankeshs murder. They said that the Gauri’s murder is a murder of freedom of press.
Delhi press club members also protested against the murder of the daring journalist.
The Editors Guild of India is deeply shocked and strongly condemns the murder of Gauri Lankesh, senior journalist and Editor, Lankesh Patrika. Her killing is an ominous portent for dissent in democracy and a brutal assault on the freedom of the press.
The Editors Guild of India demands that the Karnataka Government acts with alacrity to bring the culprits to justice apart from instituting a judicial probe into the killing. Raj Chengappa, President, Prakash Dubey, General Secretary and Kalyani Shankar, Treasurer demanded a speedy investigation in the case.
Chandigarh Press Club also protested against the murder of senior journalist Gauri.
