India News

Gauri Lankesh murder: Journalist’s brother claims naxal hand, sister says “he has no clue”

Published

8 years ago

September 7, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A day after claiming that Gauri had no personal enemies, Indrajit says she was getting hate mails from Naxals, their sister Kavita refutes the claim

A day after he told media persons that his sister, slain senior journalist Gauri Lankesh, had “no personal enemy but only ideological enemies”, Indrajit Lankesh, on Thursday, claimed that naxalites could be behind the murder – something that was immediately refuted by their sister, Kavita.

The comments by Indrajit – who also claimed that the police are probing the possibility of a naxal-hand in Gauri’s murder – seem to have divided the already grief-stricken family. Kavita, also a filmmaker and who lived with Gauri and their mother at the Rajarajeshwari Nagar residence in Bengaluru where the murder took place on Tuesday night, said Indrajit “had no clue about her (Gauri’s) life… she lived with us.”

Those who have known Gauri well – many of them journalists and her former colleagues – have been shocked at Indrajit’s sudden and inexplicable change of stand.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]That Indrajit and Gauri had major ideological differences was well known among the former’s friends. A close friend of Gauri pointed out on condition of anonymity, “When their father, journalist, academician, poet and filmmaker P Lankesh passed away in 2000, Gauri wanted to discontinue the publication of his tabloid – Lankesh Patrike because she thought that the family could never match up to the standards set by her father. However, Indrajit decided to continue with the tabloid forcing Gauri ro establish her independent tabloid titled Gauri Lankesh Patrike a few years later.”

File photo of Indrajit Lankesh

In later years, while Gauri’s views against the BJP, RSS, right-wing fundamentalist organisations and communalism became increasingly acrid, Indrajit moved closer to the BJP. As recent as in July 2017, Indrajit had indicated to reporters in Bengaluru that he was set to join the BJP – a party Gauri detested – and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi – a leader Gauri held utter contempt for.

It was thus not surprising that when BJP leaders like Union minister and Bengaluru MP Ananth Kumar decided to demand that Gauri’s murder be probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as he had no faith in the Bengaluru police, Indrajit too backed the demand. Their sister, Kavita, was however maintained that “I don’t care who investigates the case as long as my sister’s killers are caught and brought to justice”.

On Thursday, as Indrajit added another dimension to Gauri’s murder by speculating it to be the handiwork of naxalites, Kavita was predictably livid.

Indrajit claimed: “Gauri succeeded in bringing a couple of people from naxalism into the mainstream. For that, she was getting some hate mails, hate letters… this is an angle that the police are working on.” He added that Gauri’s success in bringing Sirimane Nagaraj, a prominent Naxalite leader, into the mainstream might have irked the Naxals.

File photo of Kavita Lankesh

Kavita retorted saying: “He (Indrajit) has no clue about Naxals. Gauri worked for the Naxals for years and against the Sangh Parivar. I am not sure why my brother is speaking what he is speaking. He had no clue about her life.”

In 2005, both Gauri and Indrajit had filed police complaints against each other. Indrajit, who was the proprietor and publisher of Lankesh Patrike, was against Gauri’s pro-Naxalite stand. Indrajit had registered a police complaint about a computer, printer and scanner which had gone missing from the publication’s office. Gauri Lankesh, on her part, filed a counter complaint and alleged that Indrajit had threatened her with a revolver.

One does not know whether their rocky past was now determining Indrajit’s statements on the possible motive behind his sister’s gruesome murder.

Meanwhile, trading of barbs has continued between the Opposition and the BJP over the murder. Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of silencing dissent saying it was part of “their” ideology. “Anyone who speaks against BJP is silenced. People say that the prime minister is quiet and he has not said anything. The point is the entire ideology is to silence voices,” Rahul said.

The CPM too has maintained that Gauri’s murder follows a familiar pattern earlier witnessed with the murders of rationalists and fierce opponents of the BJP like Narendra Dhabolkar, Govind Pansare and MM Kalburgi. All of them, like Gauri, were murdered by bike-borne assailants using a country made revolver and all of them had been opposed to right-wing fundamentalism.

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, who has already ordered setting up of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the state police under an Inspector General level officer with the task of expeditiously solving the blind murder, has said that he has an “open mind” on referring the probe to the CBI and would do so if Gauri’s family members ask for a probe from the central agency.

The Karnataka police which has retrieved a low-resolution footage from the two CCTV cameras outside Gauri’s house said that the footage shows the killer wearing a black helmet approaching Gauri as she walked to the gate of her house to unlock it and then opening fire at her. The police are currently collecting footage from all CCTV cameras along the stretch between Basavanagudi, from where Gauri left, and Rajarajeshwari Nagar, before she was shot dead.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

India News

Supreme Court raps Meta over WhatsApp privacy policy

The Supreme Court warned Meta that it would not tolerate any compromise of citizens’ privacy while hearing a case related to WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy policy and a CCI penalty.

Published

3 hours ago

February 3, 2026

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The Supreme Court on Tuesday delivered strong observations against Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, over the messaging platform’s 2021 privacy policy, warning that it would not tolerate any compromise of citizens’ privacy.

A bench led by Chief Justice Surya said the court would not allow the sharing of user data in a manner that exploits Indians, remarking that privacy protections under the Constitution must be followed. “You can’t play with privacy… we will not allow you to share a single digit of our data,” the Chief Justice said during the hearing.

The matter relates to a plea challenging the law tribunal’s decision that upheld a ₹213 crore penalty imposed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) on WhatsApp, while also permitting certain data-sharing practices for advertising purposes.

Court questions accessibility of privacy policy

During the hearing, the court raised concerns about whether WhatsApp’s privacy policy could realistically be understood by large sections of the population, particularly those who are poor or not formally educated.

The bench questioned if users such as roadside vendors, rural residents, or people who do not speak English would be able to comprehend the policy’s terms. It also expressed scepticism about the effectiveness of opt-out clauses, stating that even legally trained individuals find such policies difficult to understand.

Describing the alleged data practices as potentially exploitative, the court said it would not allow private information to be taken without genuine and informed consent from users.

The Chief Justice also cited a personal example, suggesting that users often begin seeing advertisements shortly after exchanging sensitive messages on WhatsApp, such as medical conversations, raising questions about how user data is being utilised.

Arguments from government and Meta

Appearing for the government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta criticised WhatsApp’s data-sharing practices, calling them exploitative and commercially driven. In response, the Chief Justice said that if companies cannot operate in line with constitutional values, they should not do business in India.

Senior advocates Mukul Rohatgi and Akhil Sibal, appearing for Meta and WhatsApp, countered the allegations by asserting that all WhatsApp messages are end-to-end encrypted and that the company cannot read message content.

Background of the case

In November 2024, the CCI ruled against WhatsApp over its 2021 privacy policy, holding that the company had abused its dominant market position by effectively forcing users to accept the updated terms.

The watchdog objected to WhatsApp making continued access to messaging services conditional on permitting data-sharing with other Meta platforms, leading to the imposition of a ₹213 crore fine. Meta has deposited the penalty.

In January 2025, Meta and WhatsApp challenged the CCI order. Later, in November 2025, the law tribunal lifted a five-year restriction on data-sharing while maintaining the financial penalty.

India News

India welcomes US tariff cut as PM Modi thanks Trump for easing trade barriers

PM Modi has thanked US President Donald Trump after the US reduced tariffs on Indian goods to 18%, calling the move beneficial for bilateral trade.

Published

7 hours ago

February 3, 2026

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday welcomed US President Donald Trump’s decision to lower tariffs on Indian goods, describing the move as one that unlocks significant opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.

Minutes after President Trump announced the reduction on his social media platform, the Prime Minister took to X to express his appreciation, calling the development a boost for “Made in India” products entering the US market.

“Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18 per cent,” PM Modi said, thanking President Trump on behalf of India’s 1.4 billion people.

The Prime Minister said he had a “wonderful” conversation with President Trump and underlined the broader significance of the decision, noting that closer economic cooperation between the world’s two largest democracies benefits people on both sides.

PM Modi also said that when two major economies work together, it opens doors for mutually beneficial growth, adding that India supports President Trump’s efforts aimed at global peace, stability, and prosperity. He said he looked forward to strengthening the partnership further.

President Trump, while announcing the tariff reduction, described the move as a “trade deal” and referred to PM Modi as a close friend and a respected leader.

Trade signals positive momentum

The US India Strategic Partnership Forum described the tariff reduction as an important and positive first step in strengthening bilateral trade relations.

While the detailed terms of the agreement are yet to be finalised, the announcement reflects political intent on both sides to move towards a broader US-India bilateral trade agreement. Such an agreement is expected to address issues related to tariffs, market access, non-tariff barriers, and trade across multiple sectors.

How tariffs on Indian goods evolved

The latest decision comes after months of tariff fluctuations on Indian exports to the US.

Timeline of key developments

April 2, 2025: The US imposed a 26% reciprocal tariff on several Indian imports as part of global tariff actions.
April 10, 2025: The tariffs were paused for 90 days, with a 10% duty retained on all US imports.
July 31, 2025: A 25% tariff was announced on Indian goods, along with a warning linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil.
August 7, 2025: Tariffs were raised to 50%, the highest imposed on any US trade partner at the time.
February 2, 2026: The US announced a reduction in tariffs on Indian goods to 18%.

The latest rollback marks a significant easing of trade tensions and sets the stage for deeper engagement between India and the United States.

India News

US-India trade deal to strengthen strategic partnership, says Amit Shah

Amit Shah says the US-India trade deal with reduced tariffs will elevate strategic partnership and pave the way for stronger trade ties and mutual growth.

Published

7 hours ago

February 3, 2026

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said the newly announced trade deal between India and the United States will elevate the strategic partnership between the two countries and pave the way for stronger trade ties and mutual growth.

In a post on social media platform X, Shah said the agreement marks a significant moment in India-US relations, with business between the two nations set to expand further. He noted that the deal, which includes a reduction in reciprocal tariffs, will benefit both countries and their people.

Calling it a “big day” for bilateral ties, Shah said the trade deal has been locked with a significantly reduced tariff of 18 per cent, creating fresh opportunities for economic cooperation. He also congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump on what he described as a historic agreement.

According to Shah, the agreement will strengthen the strategic partnership between the two democracies and support growth on both sides. He added that trade and business activity between India and the US is expected to flourish in the coming period.

Modi welcomes reduced tariffs on Indian goods

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also welcomed the development, saying he was delighted that tariffs on “Made in India” products would now be reduced to 18 per cent. He thanked President Trump for the announcement and said the move would benefit the people of both nations.

Modi said cooperation between two large economies and the world’s largest democracies creates opportunities for mutually beneficial growth. He added that such collaboration helps unlock new possibilities for trade and development.

The prime minister also said he looked forward to working closely with the US president to take the bilateral partnership to unprecedented heights.

Trump outlines terms of the agreement

US President Donald Trump said the United States agreed to lower the reciprocal tariff on Indian goods from 25 per cent to 18 per cent following a phone conversation with Prime Minister Modi. He added that India would move forward to reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers against the US.

Trump said New Delhi had also committed to purchasing American goods at a much higher level, including energy, technology, agricultural products, coal and other items. He mentioned that India would buy US energy worth more than USD 500 billion.

The US president said the relationship between the two countries would become even stronger going forward. He also noted that the two leaders discussed the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine during their conversation.

Background to the trade talks

India and the US had agreed earlier to finalise the first tranche of a bilateral trade agreement, but negotiations had slowed after higher tariffs were imposed on Indian goods. The latest agreement follows several rounds of talks between the two sides.

Officials said India now faces lower tariffs compared to several competing export economies, which could provide an advantage to Indian exporters in the US market.