Tabloid launched on 1st anniversary of Gauri murder

The launch of a fortnightly tabloid “Nyaya Patha” marked the first year anniversary of the death of journalist Gauri Lankesh on Wednesday.

Ever since Gauri fell to the fatal bullet of her assassin on September 5, 2017, the news tabloid Lankesh Patrike, which she ran, had closed down.

In the day-long programme to commemorate the senior scribe, Gauri’s sister Kavitha Lankesh and a team of activists visited her memorial in the morning. This was followed by a protest rally by members of the Gauri Lankesh Balaga and Gauri Smakara Trust.

Activists gathered at the Jnana Jyothi auditorium fondly recalled her memories, while also pledging to carry forward her fight for a secular India.

Speaking to reporters, activist and Gujarat MLA Jignesh Mevani said fascism has taken over the state. “The whole scene about the conspiracy to kill Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to divert people’s attention from the real issues of demonetisation, failing to secure jobs and rising prices,” he said.

Activist Swamy Agnivesh said Gauri Lankesh is a symbol of dissent. “She left for us (the legacy) to be outspoken against Hindutva and RSS. We should take it forward,” Agnivesh said.

Actor Prakash Raj said the probe into Gauri’s murder is now pointing to the organisation previously thought to have been involved when she was killed a year ago. “Modi’s silence on the murder of Gauri and rationalists M M Kalburgi, Govind Pansare and Narendra Dhabolkar is the silence of evil,” he added.

The ‘I am Gauri’ movement members wanted Sanatana Sanstan to be declared a terrorist organisation for suppressing the freedom of speech of many activists. Pens carrying Gauri’s signature were sold at the event.