Protests erupted across Karnataka on Wednesday morning condemning the dastardly killing of senior Kannada journalist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot dead at her residence here on Tuesday night by three unidentified men.
Journalists, activists, writers, thinkers and women organisations were seen among the crowds that gathered in the city and across the state condemning the killing of the journalist.
People were seen gathered at the Town Hall here for a silent protest, holding placards. "You can kill a person but not their ideas," read one placard.
Silent demonstration was also staged by journalist groups at the Victoria Hospital grounds, where the autopsy is being done.
Across the state, protests were witnessed in Mangaluru, Kalaburagi, Dharwad, Koppal among other regions, where citizens took to the streets.
Journalists in Mysuru, wearing black ribbons around their shoulders, also held a protest in front of the Deputy Commissioner's Office.
Massive protests have also been planned across the country in various cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad among others.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also cancelled all his official programmes on Wednesday.
"CM has cancelled all engagements, including a day-long trip to Kerala in view of the developments since Tuesday night," said an official from the Chief Minister's Office.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi also expressed shock and distress over the murder on Wednesday, saying "this can't and should not be tolerated".
Accusing the BJP of silencing dissent, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi said it was a part of their ideology. "Anyone who speaks against BJP is silenced..." Rahul Gandhi said on Wednesday.
Lankesh, 55, was shot dead by three unidentified men who had shot her when she returned home from her office in the city.
Lankesh was an editor of popular Kannada tabloid "Lankesh Patrike".
In November 2016, Lankesh was sentenced to six months in jail after a defamation case was filed against her for a report against Bharatiya Janata Party leaders. She was out on bail pending an appeal.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday expressed shock and distress over the murder of senior Kannada journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh, saying "this can't and should not be tolerated".
"Known for her fearless and independent views, Gauri Lankesh had extraordinary grit and determination to take on the system," an All India Congress Committee (AICC) statement said quoting Gandhi.
"The series of killings of rationalists, free thinkers and journalists in the country has created an atmosphere that dissent, ideological differences and divergence of views can endanger our lives. This can not be and should not be tolerated."
"It is an extremely sad moment for our democracy and a chilling reminder of the fact that intolerance and bigotry is raising its ugly head in our society."
Lankesh was shot dead by unidentified assailants at her residence in Bengaluru on Tuesday.
Condemning the debilitating attack, the Congress stands as one with the rationalists, thinkers, journalists and the media fraternity, Gandhi said.
The AICC statement said that Gandhi had spoken to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and urged him to swiftly bring the culprits to book.
"Every possible measure should be taken to maintain a safe and secure atmosphere in the state," she added.
Expressing her deepest condolences to the family and friends of Lankesh, Gandhi offered her prayers.
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday condemned the killing of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh at her Bengaluru home and demanded a speedy investigation.
"Condemn killing of... Gauri Lankesh. Hope speedy investigation is conducted and justice delivered. Condolences to the family," Irani said in a tweet.
Lankesh, 55, editor of a Kannada tablod, was shot dead by three unidentified men who fired seven bullets at her soon after she returned home from office. Karnataka Police has launched a probe.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday expressed alarm over the killing of senior Kannada journalist and social activist Gauri Lankesh and demanded justice.
"Saddened at the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru. Most unfortunate. Very alarming. We want justice," Banerjee tweeted.
Lankesh was shot dead on Tuesday night by unidentified men at her residence in Bengaluru.
Lankesh was the editor of the popular Kannda tabloid "Lankesh Patrike". In November 2016, she was sentenced to six months in jail after a defamation case was filed against her for a report against Bharatiya Janata Party leaders.