Amit Baddi and Ganesh Miskin, both accused in the murders of journalist Gauri Lankesh and scholar MM Kalburgi, were felicitated in their hometown, Hubballi, on Sunday, February 2.
Their families and supporters welcomed them with garlands, shawls, and celebratory rituals, including bursting crackers and raising slogans, Vijaya Karnataka reported.
Banners referring to them as “Hindu tigers” appeared in parts of the city, including near the Tulaja Bhavani temple. However, temple officials later removed the banner, according to Vartha Bharathi.
The two also visited the Siddharoodha Matha and Moorusavira Matha after the event.
This is not the first time that accused individuals in these cases have been publicly honored. In October 2024, two other suspects in Gauri Lankesh’s murder were similarly felicitated in Vijayapura following their release on bail.
Gauri Lankesh was shot dead outside her Bengaluru home on September 5, 2017, in what is believed to be a targeted assassination by Hindutva groups. According to the charges against him, Miskin drove the alleged shooter, Parashuram Waghmore, to the scene of the crime.
MM Kalburgi, a noted writer and former Vice Chancellor of Kannada University, Hampi, was assassinated at his Dharwad residence on August 30, 2015.
Baddi, Miskin, Amol Kale, and Vasudeo Suryawanshi are facing trial for both killings.
Investigators state that Baddi conducted surveillance on Gauri Lankesh and transported the murder weapon, while Suryawanshi stole the motorbike used in the crime.
