Kamal Haasan labels Lankesh's murder as 'worst way to win debate'

Chennai: Film star Kamal Haasan on Thursday condemned the murder of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh, saying silencing a voice with a gun is no solution to a debate.

"Silencing a voice with a gun is the worst way to win a debate. Condolence to all those who are grieving Gauri's demise," Kamal, who last week hinted at forming a political party but made it clear he won't ally with the "saffron" -- the Hindu Right, tweeted.

Lankesh was gunned down at her Bengaluru home on Tuesday night by unidentified assailants.

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Her killing led to wide spread protests and condemnation. Even Bollywood celebrities like Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar and Shekhar Kapur vehemently criticised the attack.

However, some on Twitter, apparently right-wing supporters, said the Kannada journalist "deserved" what she got.

Lankesh was on Wednesday given a state funeral by the Karnataka government.

Read all about Gauri Lankesh murder:

• Senior journalist Gauri Lankesh shot dead in Bengaluru
• Gauri Lankesh murder | Last rites to be conducted in Bengaluru
• Gauri Lankesh murder | Smriti demands for speedy probe
• Gauri Lankesh murder | Karnataka CM orders SIT probe
• Gauri Lankesh murder | CPI-M calls for protest against ‘growing intolerance’