State sanctions cash reward for SIT

The state government has sanctioned a cash reward of Rs 25 lakh to the members of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh.

The team, which completed its investigation last year, was lauded for its meticulous investigation.

In its proposal to the government, the director general and inspector general of police had noted that the case was sensitive and had attracted international attention.

“The investigating team employed DNA profiling, gait analysis and employed the latest technology to crack the crime. So far, 16 persons have been arrested and remanded in judicial custody. On November 23, a charge sheet was filed against the accused. As the then home minister had announced a Rs 25 lakh prize for the officers who cracked the case, the same may be awarded to the 91 police officers and personnel who worked on the case,” the proposal said.

The Home Department accepted the proposal.