‘Team’s job is tough and always under scrutiny’

The special investigation team which is probing the sensational murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh continues to face a plethora of challenges even a month after the incident.

The special investigation team which is probing the sensational murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh continues to face a plethora of challenges even a month after the incident

SCENE OF CRIME

From media reports, it is clear that the SIT has tried to go about its job systematically by working on various theories one by one. Apart from the spent bullets which were found at the scene of crime, the SIT did not seem to have obtained any physical evidence worth mentioning. There appears to have been no useful fingerprints or footprints at the scene which could have been developed for identifying the accused. The canine squad also appears to have drawn a blank. The other circumstances of the case — the shooting occurred at 7.45 pm and there were no streetlights at that point of time — make the job of the SIT tougher. There seem to be few witnesses who are in a position to speak about the crime, not to speak of eyewitnesses. The only silver lining so far has been the direction that the limited ballistic evidence points to. Even this is partial since until the weapon of offence is recovered, tested by ballistic experts and established to have been used in committing the crime, the loop can not be closed. With these limited clues, the SIT’s job is unenviable. The manner in which the murder of Gauri and Dr M M Kalburgi are linked by rationalists and other intellectuals puts added pressure on the SIT. That the SIT can access the facts gathered during probe of the Kalburgi case by Karnataka CID should be useful. It may be a pointer to the manner the investigation should be carried out.

MEDIA GLARE

Considering that there is extraordinary media interest in the case, it will be prudent for the police to maintain periodic communication with the fourth estate through briefings or press releases so that speculative stories do not occupy media space vitiating the atmosphere. Only the authentic version about the stage of the investigation should be allowed to be published or telecast.

POLARISATION

Gauri’s death has also polarised opinions around the right and the left ideology. Both sides will be watching the progress of investigation with keenness and be ready to pounce on the SIT even if there was the slightest error or slip-up on its part. The incident has assumed serious political overtones with the two major political parties in Karnataka arraigning each other hoping that the investigation would prove the other wrong. The SIT should not only ensure that a credible investigation is carried out but it should also appear to be so since its work is under close scrutiny from all sides.

FIREBRAND SCRIBE

Gauri had inherited the legacy of her father, in that she too continued late P Lankesh’s brand of journalism -- fiercely independent and carping in criticism. Her weekly had a niche readership. These readers and silent admirers of Gauri have been watching from the sidelines as to what shape the investigation will take.

INTELLIGENCE IS KEY

The SIT is only too well aware how important the case is for the government of the day. It has to muster all its investigative skills, patiently examine and eliminate every possible theory. A critical factor in this case will be smart intelligence gathering. Instances are not rare when cases which were seemingly impossible to detect have been cracked through clues provided by informants. The technique of developing a fine network of informants who will share crime intelligence with the police at crucial times is a time-tested practice. One is certain that the state police are not bereft of officers who have the capacity for cultivating informants and obtaining intelligence about the identity of the accused and other details of the dastardly crime. I have no doubt that the SIT has been constituted with officers handpicked for their flair and proven reputation for investigation and detection. Inter-state coordination is another vital aspect of this crime as there are indications suggesting that it could have inter-state ramifications. Resources should be provided liberally with detection of the case as the ultimate goal. Leadership at the level of both the police and the political hierarchy will be tested during these trying times. They should work in unison and be patient with each other. Reviews of the progress of the case, both at the departmental and political level, should be conducted with maturity, patience and understanding eschewing pressure tactics. Support and encouragement, on the other hand, will help the SIT maintain high morale which will be conducive to success. Even as the SIT is working on that breakthrough, citizens and political leaders should realize that investigation is a back-breaking and time-consuming job and there are no shortcuts. While the criticism about the Kalburgi case remaining undetected is understandable, we should be patient with the SIT and give them time to apprehend the culprits in the Gauri murder case.

S T RAMESH

THE AUTHOR IS FORMER DIRECTOR GENERAL AND INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE, KARNATAKA

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