Bengaluru: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) authorities have done the unexpected. Prior to filing the final chargesheet in the journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh murder case, they offered a special puja at the Chamundeshwari temple located next to the CID office on Palace Road in the city. If sources in the SIT are to be believed puja expenses came up to Rs 40,000.

According to the sources, the SIT team members, excluding a few senior officers, attended a special puja at the temple on Friday, November 23. “The common belief is that, if the police start any work by offering puja at this temple, they will succeed in that work. As per this belief, a special puja was offered,” added the sources in the police department.

Senior officials of the SIT were, however, not available for a comment on the matter. But, there was a public outcry against the police, as Gauri Lankesh never believed in any supernatural powers and she was a critic of the Hindu religion.