Gauri Lankesh Murder: Dreaded criminal Tahir might provide decisive lead in puzzling case

Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh will soon be questioning dreaded criminal Tahir Hussain @anoop who was arrested on Sunday by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) of Bengaluru Police for illegal possession of a country-made pistol. 

SIT suspects he might have supplied a country made pistol to the assailants who murdered Gauri Lankesh. 

Speaking to News Nation, Anucheth, Chief Investigation Officer of SIT said, "Tahir has a criminal history. He has been found in possession of illegal weapons. So we will question him."

Acting on a specific tip-off, CCB officials raided a private lodge under Parappana Agrahara Police Station limits and arrested Tahir Hussain on Sunday. Tahir is a resident of Chikkaballapura district of Karnataka and has a criminal history including supplying of arms and extortion. 

Tahir has a case registered against him in Maharashtra for supplying arms and is known to have links with the underworld as well. 

Satish Kumar, Joint Commissioner CCB said, "Tahir had planned to kidnap a financer in Yelhanka area of Bengaluru but before that, we arrested him and foiled his plan. He is known for supplying country-made pistols."

CCB has registered a case against Tahir under Sections 3 and 25 of Arms Act and taken him into police custody till 16 December for further interrogation.

Gauri Lankesh was shot dead by unknown gunmen outside her house on September 5.