Nearly eight years later, Gauri Lankesh's assassination remains a watershed moment in India's ongoing struggle for press freedom and fearless journalism.

An Act Of Cowardice – An Act Of Violence: 

In what can only be described as an atrocious act of cowardice of appalling proportions, Senior Journalist Gauri Lankesh of “Lankesh Patrike” was shot dead at her residence by a group of unidentified intruders. Gauri Lankesh, who has always been respected and revered for her fearless form of journalism, and a practical tone to societal issues, was earlier today, shot at point blank by unidentified men, seven times in close range. The 55-year old journalist, died on the spot, as the intruders escaped before they could be apprehended. The incident happened at her residence in Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Bengaluru.

Initial reports suggest that Gauri Lankesh’s death was a result of a long time ideological difference at play between her news-medium and the present government. The matter of fact remains that, in November 2016, she was sentenced to six months in jail after a defamation case was filed against her for a report against BJP leaders. She has henceforth received claiming to take her life, if she didn’t pull back from her true form of realistic journalism. The outspoken journalist that she was, Gauri Lankesh minced no words in press conferences before her death, in putting out the threats into public, and categorically stated them to be acts of cowardice.

The World of Journalism Goes Into A Shock:

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said three police teams have been formed to investigate the murder of Gauri Lankesh and that the culprits must be caught. “I have spoken to the police commissioner and the Director General,” said Mr Siddaramaiah this evening.

The shooting has caused outrage on Twitter. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan tweeted: “Shocked to hear that the brave Journalist-Activist Gauri Lankesh has been shot dead in Bengaluru. Culprits should be nabbed at the earliest.” “Shocking and blood-curdling to hear about the murder of Gauri Lankesh. These monstrous criminals must be nailed n dealt with sternly,” tweeted Biocon’s chairman Kiran Mazumdar Shaw.

Poisonous violence of mind being spread on social media to browbeat critics; on street, its the gun that silences dissent. #GauriLankesh

— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) September 5, 2017

Heroes are never perfect, but they’re brave, they’re authentic, they’re courageous, determined
RIP #gaurilankesh pic.twitter.com/SSJLqpRraE

— rahul verma (@rahulverma08) September 5, 2017

I can’t believe it. Gauri Lankesh shot dead in Bengaluru. #GauriLankesh pic.twitter.com/CJczt9kcTB

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi177) September 5, 2017

Shocked, horrified that colleague & friend #GauriLankesh shot dead. She was a staunch voice for civil liberties and liberal values.

— Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) September 5, 2017

Rest In Power Gauri Lankesh

As a state level investigation is under way, the scenes in Bangalore, are one of shock and despair. As we can see from the tweets above, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out who is behind all this. One by one, Pansare, Kalburgi, Dabholkar, Lankesh, who is next then? What is going on? Why haven’t the guilty been caught in previous cases? No one?. You question the system, you die. It seems as simple as that. Are we back at the emergency days, where free press journalism was curtailed and condemned. Are we really on the path of progress and ache din, where the people who bring us the news in its most honest form are shot at their houses? So much for being brave.

We have truly lost a powerful force in news and media. VoxSpace bows down to Gauri Lankesh, and hopes that her legacy will only inspire the millions to come after her. Rest in Power Gauri Lankesh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Gauri Lankesh and what did she do as a journalist?

Gauri Lankesh was a renowned 55-year-old journalist and editor of Lankesh Patrike, known for her fearless and critical reporting on social and political issues. She was respected for her practical approach to journalism and her willingness to challenge powerful institutions, including government bodies.

When and how was Gauri Lankesh killed?

Gauri Lankesh was shot dead at her residence in Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Bengaluru, by unidentified intruders who fired seven shots at close range. She died on the spot, and the assailants escaped before police could apprehend them. The incident shocked the Indian media landscape.

What were the circumstances leading to Gauri Lankesh’s murder?

Initial reports suggest ideological conflicts between Lankesh Patrike and the government. In November 2016, Gauri Lankesh was sentenced to six months in jail following a defamation case filed against her for reporting on BJP leaders. She had also received death threats prior to her assassination.

How did Indian media and political leaders respond to Gauri Lankesh’s death?

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ordered three police teams to investigate the murder and promised to catch the culprits. The incident sent shockwaves through the journalism community and raised serious concerns about press freedom and journalist safety in India.

What is Gauri Lankesh’s legacy in Indian journalism today?

Gauri Lankesh’s murder became a defining moment highlighting the dangers faced by fearless journalists in India. Her legacy continues to inspire debates on press freedom, media independence, and the need to protect journalists who challenge powerful institutions and report critically on governance.