Over the years, many thinkers and progressive writers who have had to face threats for their writings and remarks, have been offered police protection by the state government. While some have accepted it, some others have refused protection. This March, writer Yogesh Master was attacked at Davanagere, who smeared his face with black oil. Yogesh was there to attend a programme organised in memory of Gauri’s father and writer P Lankesh. In 2013, Yogesh was arrested for his remarks on Lord Ganesha in his book ‘Dhundi’, which was later banned. He used to get threat calls even after the book was banned.


“After shifting from Jnana Bharati to Byadarahalli three months back, I sought police protection as I used to get threat calls. I gave a letter to Jnana Bharati police station, but nothing was done. Since Tuesday, a policeman has been deputed near my new house,’’ he said. “When I approached the police, they did not respond. Now that someone died, they realised the danger they gave an unarmed cop,’’ he said.