Candle light vigil today at 7 PM

The Mumbai Press Club expresses a serious concern over the killing of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh who was shot dead outside her home in Bangalore on Tuesday evening.

Ms Lankesh, 55, was shot dead by unidentified men from close range; three bullets hit her, one on the forehead, reported news agency IANS.

We request the governments of Karnataka to order CBI investigation into this sordid killing of a member of the Fourth Estate. The Club also demands that the Karnataka government should ensure that the culprits are subjected to maximum punishment – be it the foot-soldiers or the masterminds.

Ms Lankesh was the editor of weekly ‘Gauri Lankesh Patrike,’ a Kannada tabloid. Like her father, who was a noted Kannada writer, Gauri Lankesh faced opposition and criticism of her journalism.

Ms Lankesh is survived by her mother, her sister Kavitha Lankesh and brother Indrajit who runs Lankesh Patrike.

At the time of crisis, we stand behind the family and condemn the killing in strongest possible words and urge for speedy investigation and trial.

If this is how the Fourth Estate is going to be treated by the powers that be, while the government looks the other way, it is indeed a black hour for Indian democracy.

-Candle light vigil today at Club

Mumbai Press Club, in alliance with other media organisations, will hold a candle light vigil Today (6th September) at 7 pm seeking justice for our colleague. We all will meet  at the gates of the Press Club where will hold a candle light vigil along with the portraits of the slain journalist.

All members are requested to attend the candle light vigil.

Looking forward to your support for strengthening journalist rights and unity!