Linguist calls for justice in Kalburgi murder case

“Investigation of the murder of scholar M.M. Kalburgi must be expedited and the killers must be punished,” said linguist G.N. Devy.

He was speaking at an event organised by the M.M. Kalburgi National Memorial Trust as part of the 10th death anniversary of research scholar Kalburgi in Dharwad on Saturday.

“Rationalists and activists Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare, M.M. Kalburgi and Gauri Lankesh were all murdered. Some accused in these cases have even obtained bail. The killers and the masterminds behind these murders must be identified and punished,” he said.

“It has been 10 years since the murder, yet the killers remain unpunished. Justice must not be delayed. In many serious criminal cases, deliberate conspiracies are created to obstruct investigation. Several accused involved in the murders of rationalists are moving about freely. It seems investigation is not being carried out in a swift manner,” he said.

“Basavanna is the State’s greatest treasure. Kalburgi dedicated his life to spreading Basavanna’s Vachanas and philosophy among the people. It is among his life’s great missions,” he said.

Prof. Devy, who shifted from Madhya Pradesh after the death of Kalburgi, said that he has decided to live in Dharwad till the investigation of the murder is completed.

Journalist D. Umapathi expressed concern over the delay in the delivery of justice.

“Kalburgi was killed for his rational and reformist views. Even after 10 years of the murder, the law has failed to act against the killers and the masterminds behind it. We all must strive to free truth, tolerance and justice from the prison they are locked in today. A major people’s movement is necessary. We must break the silence and raise our voices,” he said.

Trust chairman Veeranna Rajur presided over the event.

Umadevi Kalburgi, Srivijaya Kalburgi, M.A. Arun, Hanumakshi Gogi, H.S. Melinamani, Kumar Bekkari and HDUDA chairman Shakeer Sanadi and others were present.