Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has also announced a cash reward for Rs five lakh for any information that leads to the arrest of Professor MM Kalburgi's killers.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will personally monitor the probe into the death of 77-year-old Professor MM Kalburgi, a well-known rationalist, who was shot dead on August 20 at his home in Dharwad. The chief minister has also announced a cash reward for Rs five lakh for any information that leads to the arrest of the killers.
The assurance came after family members of three rationalists who were shot dead, Narendra Dhabolkar, Govind Pansare and Mr Kalburgi, met the chief minister in Bengaluru today. The family members were encouraged by their meeting with Siddaramaiah.
Srivijay Kalburgi, son of Dr Kalburgi, told NDTV, "Each minute has seemed like a decade since my father's murder. Our family took some comfort from the support of other families in the same situation."
So far nobody has been arrested yet for Mr Kalburgi's murder. Those close to him and acquainted with his work believe he was killed because of his provocative writings. Professor Kalburgi had received many threats from right wing groups, his family and friends allege.
The families have also got the support of Kannada writers and Hindu religious heads.
Mukta Dabholkar, daughter in law of Narendra Dabholkar said, "We need to show we will not forget, the society will not forget."
Jnanpith awardee, Girish Karnad, was also a part of the team of writers who went with the family to meet the chief minister. He told NDTV, "This was a professional killing. The investigation is difficult. But he has assured us of his personal attention to the case."
In August 2013, anti-superstition activist Narendra Dabholkar was shot dead in Pune while he was out for a morning walk. In February this year, social activist and veteran CPI leader Govind Pansare, who was holding agitations against toll tax among other issues, was shot dead in similar circumstances in Kolhapur, Maharashtra.