Gauri Lankesh Case: Right Wing outfits accuse SIT

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed in the Gauri Lankesh murder case has arrested 16 people with two still at large. They had named an organised crime syndicate inspired by the Sanatan Sanstha in its additional charge sheet.

Right-wing outfit Sanatan Sanstha on Tuesday accused the SIT probing the Gauri Lankesh murder case of "framing" it. They also claimed that the 18 people named as accused in connection with the crime were distanced. Chetan Rajhans, Sanstha spokesperson said the alleged attempt to "fix" the outfit and said he’d like to know how the law enforcement agencies would react when a Jehadi or a Naxalite is caught.

"The members strictly followed the guidelines and principles mentioned in the 'Kshatra Dharma Sadhana', a book published by the Sanatan Sanstha," the SIT said. Rajhans said the book was published 23 years ago but was never brought out in the last 10 years for being unpopular. He charged that the SIT still wanted to frame the organisation based on the statement by the accused persons. Rajhans added, "We never believed in violence as our primary objective is Sadhana (spiritual practises) on the lines of Sanstha's philosophy."