Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jan 10: It is said that Rajesh Bangera (50), arrested by special investigation team (SIT) probing Gauri Lankesh murder, has reportedly confessed to the investigators that he had kept an eye on the activities of Prof Narendra Nayak from Mangaluru, who happens to be the president of Federation of Indian Rationalists Associations. Bangera, who was arrested recently relating to the murder of journalist, Gauri Lankesh, is thought to have provided training to the members of the said gang in the use of arms.

The SIT, in the details furnished to the court, claimed that the gang of Hindu fundamentalists who murdered Gauri in 2017 had kept a close watch on the movements of Narendra Nayak in 2016. SIT claims that the gang had identified Nayak as possible target because of his bitter criticism of Hindu activists.

Prof Narendra Nayak

As per SIT probe, Bangera along with a youngster from Mangaluru who also was hired and trained for attacks had kept vigil on the activities of Nayak for two days. Before that, he had provided training to four persons, Mohan, Yatish, Kumud and Yathin, it is said, in the use of firearms. One from this group was with Bangera during the said two-day period during which the rationalist was followed, SIT has claimed.

SIT also has said that a diary confiscated from prime accused in the case, Amol Kale, contains information about the gang's targets, K S Bhagwan, Narendra Nayak, Swamij Nijagunananda and dramatist, Girish Karnad, for their open defiance of Hindu practices.

It is said that the gang was in its final stages of attacking K S Bhagawan when the SIT found out about the gang involved in Gauri Lankesh murder and made arrests.