After Kalburgi's murder, writer KS Bhagwan gets threat letter

Mysuru: Just nine days after scholar MM Kalburgi was shot dead at his residence in Dharwad, Mysuru-based writer and critic KS Bhagavan has received a threat letter. The letter, which was delivered to his residence, calls Bhagwan the next target.

"I was not at home when the letter came on Wednesday afternoon. My family received it. After reading the letter, written in English, the family informed the police... currently, it is with the police," he said.

Bhagwan had incurred the wrath of right-wing activists after he allegedly disparaged the Bhagawad Gita while speaking at a programme in Mysuru in February, 2015.

A Bajrang Dal local activist was arrested in Dakshina Kannada district a day after Kalburgi's death on August 30 for allegedly posting remarks on Twitter threatening Bhagwan for his 'derogatory' remarks on the Bhagawad Gita.

Bhagwan's family spoke to him about the contents of the letter which said that "three people we have finished, next is your turn; no amount of police protection will help. Your time is over, count the days."

Stating that he is "not deterred" by such threats, Bhagwan said "it shows utter ignorance on the part of those who wrote the letter. They wouldn't have even read a page of my writing. I write on the basis of my research. If they have objections about it, they can always oppose it in a civilised way."

"This is not the first time I have received such threats; I'm not afraid," he added.

Karnataka Police have beefed up the security cover at Bhagavan's residence. They are examining the letter and its origin. After Kalburgi's murder, the police had also extended security to other noted litterateurs, including Jnanpeeth award winner Girish Karnad and SL Byrappa.

77-year-old vocal and outspoken rationalist Kalburgi fell to the bullets of two unidentified men at his residence at Dharwad in north Karnataka on August 30.

Karnataka government has decided to hand over the Kalburgi murder case to CBI. The state CID would probe it till the central agency takes over.

(With PTI inouts)