Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jul 27: The special investigation team (SIT) which is investigating the murder of veteran journalist, Gauri Lankesh, has picked speed in its probe and has been making arrests one after the other. On Thursday July 26, the team arrested a real estate agent, who allegedly hosted the accused behind the murder besides destroying clothes and other things associated with the murder.

The arrested man happens to be H S Suresh (37), a native of Tumakuru. A few days back, Suresh had been considered by the SIT as the key witness in the case. However, as the team delved deep into the case, the officials came to know about the direct involvement of Suresh in the murder conspiracy. Sources said that the team arrested Suresh after coming to know about his wrong deeds. With this, the number of people arrested in the case has risen to 11.

Gauri Lankesh

After arresting the accused from Tumakuru, Suresh was produced in the third additional chief metropolitan magistrate's court on Thursday evening. Suresh told the court that SIT officials had tortured him. The court then ordered his judicial custody. It is gathered that SIT will again seek his police custody for investigation on Friday.

It is said that Suresh had extended hospitalities to Amol Kale, who is said to the main conspirator behind the murder, and his team, near Seegenahalli on Magadi Road. After the murder, he burnt down clothes and helmets used by the shooter and bike rider, sources claimed.

Suresh from Tumakuru, who is into real estate business, and who stays at Sunkadakatte with wife and two children, has recently been associated with pro-Hindu outfits. He came in contact with Amol Kale and because of this closeness, he agreed to help in Gauri murder plan.

It is said that in addition to Seegenahalli, the accused had also stayed at Kumbalagoodu with the assistance of Sampaje Mohan Nayak. On this occasion, Suresh had cooked food for the team, it is being claimed.