After arresting K. T. Naveen Kumar (37) on February 18, the Bengaluru police announced him as the first accused in the Gauri Lankesh murder case. Journalist Gauri Lankesh was shot by unknown men on September 5, 2017 right outside her house. Allegedly, Naveen Kumar was arrested for illegal possession of bullets. After thorough investigation, the police found evidence of the accused's connection with Gauri Lankesh's murder.