Bengaluru, 15 June

Writer and entrepreneur Indira Lankesh, mother of assassinated journalist Gauri Lankesh and wife of famed Kannada writer and journalist P Lankesh, died on Monday at her Bengaluru residence due to age-related illnesses, reports say. She was 83.

Lankesh was born on 2 June, 1943, in Shivamogga. She married P Lankesh in 1960, later supporting his artistic ventures and their family through a successful sari business called Mayur Silks and Textiles.

She was also primary figure in the campaign for justice for Gauri, her eldest daughter. Gauri Lankesh was shot dead at the age of 55 on 5 September, 2017 allegedly due to her vocal criticism of Hindutva, communalism and casteism. The murder was reportedly carried out by members of right-wing Hindutva extremist groups. Seventeen of the accused in the case are currently out on bail. The trial is still pending nearly nine years after the murder.

Indira Lankesh remained an outspoken critic of communalism, joining the 2022 Bharat Jodo Yatra led by Congress politician Rahul Gandhi.

Prominent political leaders and activists paid tribute to her, including former chief minister Siddaramaiah and Chief Minister D. Shivakumar. Activist and journalist Teesta Setalvad said that justice for Gauri will be ensured, as Indira had fought for. Lankesh is survived by her daughter Kavita Lankesh, son Indrajith Lankesh, and their families.