With no leads on the identity of the gunman who shot down journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh early this month, the Special Investigation Team has now started interrogating rowdy-sheeter Kunigal Giri and six of his associates — currently in judicial custody — to see if they have information on key arms smugglers in the city.
According to a senior police officer, Kunigal Giri has over a 100 criminal cases against him, all related to dacoity and extortion. “He used to procure arms from illegal traders, and he knows their whereabouts and modus operandi. We are questioning him and his associates to see if we can get some leads on gun trade,” said the officer.
He added that the killer was not working alone, and local logistic support had been provided to the gunman.
Meanwhile, another team is currently in Vijayapura and Belagavi on the trail of arms dealers and suspected contract killers. So far, more than 100 people from across the State have been questioned by the police.
Indrajit Lankesh, Gauri’s brother, has denied police claims that he was not cooperating with the SIT probe. “In my statement to the police, I gave details of the fallout we both had 14 years ago. We have had good familial relations since then. She came to my house on Ganesha and other festivals, and we celebrated together,” he said.
The police also questioned former Naxal leaders Sirimane Nagaraj and Noor Sridhar.