Two persons accused in the murder of journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh, who were released on bail, were welcomed by some in Hubballi on their return, terming them as ‘Hindu tigers’.
The incident happened on Sunday when two of the accused Amit Baddi and Ganesh Mishkin reached Hubballi after being released on bail. Some of the youth welcomed them by breaking pumpkins and escorting them in their vehicles to Siddharoodh Swami Mutt where they were joined by family members to offer puja.
A banner welcoming the murder accused calling them ‘Hindu tigers who were returning to establish Hindu Rashtra’ was prominently displayed near the Tulaja Bhavani temple at Dajibanpet in Hubballi.
However, when the news spread, the temple authorities themselves removed the banner reportedly put up by unknown persons. The banner, which had photographs of both the accused, also had portraits of Shivaji Maharaj and Somavamsha Sahasrarjun Maharaj and two tigers.
As the news spread, the accused persons who were to offer puja at the temple cancelled their visit, sources said.
This story was originally published in thehindu.com.
