Gauri Lankesh murder case accused photographed felicitating Karnataka Police Commissioner

Controversy erupted in Karnataka’s Hubballi-Dharwad after a photograph of newly appointed Police Commissioner Bhushan Gulabrao Borase being felicitated by Amit Baddi, accused in the Gauri Lankesh murder case, and Khet Singh Rajpurohit, an accused in a narcotics case, at his office raised concerns over how the two men gained access to senior police officials.

Baddi and Rajpurohit were photographed presenting bouquets to Borase as he assumed charge, with the images subsequently going viral on social media and drawing sharp scrutiny over the circumstances surrounding their presence at the commissioner’s office.

The incident has caused particular embarrassment for the police department as Borase had reportedly adopted a tough stance against drug peddling soon after taking charge. Rajpurohit’s alleged participation has therefore raised questions over whether officials at the commissionerate were aware of the criminal cases pending against those attending the felicitation.

The photographs have also prompted speculation that individuals facing criminal charges may be seeking to publicly establish their proximity to senior police officers through such events.

Officials have so far not publicly clarified how the two men were permitted to enter the office and participate in the official felicitation. It also remains unclear whether any inquiry has been ordered into the incident.