JOIN USThe Special Investigation Team probing the killing of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh arrested two more accused on Monday. Police suspect the duo also played a part in the killing of rationalist M M Kalburgi.
The arrested include Amit Ramachandra Baddi (27) and Ganesh Miski (27) hailing from Hubballi. The duo was produced before the 3rd Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court on Monday after their involvement in Gauri Lankesh’s murder was revealed during detailed interrogation by SIT sleuths.
Special public prosecutor S V Vadavadagi who appeared for the first time after taking charge, submitted that the police have found that both Miski and Baddi were involved in the killing of Gauri Lankesh. Since the sleuths need to take both of them to Goa, Maharashtra and parts of Karnataka to collect material evidence, including weapons and vehicles used in Gauri’s killing, they sought 14 days’ custody.
Magistrate V Prakash allowed the submission and handed over both the accused to police custody till August 6. An SIT official said Miski had ridden the bike with Parashuram Waghmore as pillion to Gauri’s house on September 5. Baddi provided Miski and other team members logistics support. He was in possession of the pistol. It is suspected that one of the two had pulled the trigger on Kalburgi.
Sources added that Baddi is a small-time businessman and goldsmith and was picked up after Mohan Naik, who was arrested on Friday, revealed his role in the case. Miski is into incense sticks trade and police suspect that he drove Waghmore to Gauri’s house. He was arrested after surveillance and his communication with mastermind Amol Kale.