Gauri Lankesh was shot dead in front of her house last year triggering national outrage. (File)

The SIT probing the killing of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh today claimed that five suspects, arrested in connection with the case, were also involved in rationalist M M Kalburgi's killing.

Twelve suspects have been arrested in connection with the journalist Gauri Lankesh case.

M M Kalburgi was shot dead on August 30, 2015 at home and the case is being investigated by the criminal investigation department (CID).

"Yes, we have got certain leads provided to us by the Special Investigation Team..It will be premature to share the details. We cannot even say how many are involved.

All we can say at this juncture is that the leads are very credible," IGP, CID, K S R Charan Reddy told PTI.

Sources in the SIT confirmed that at least five suspects were involved in the killing, but did not elaborate.

The SIT has arrested 12 people including the alleged mastermind Amol Kale and sharpshooter Parashuram Waghmare.

Left leaning Gauri Lankesh, known for her strong anti-Hindutva stand, was shot dead in front of her house on September 5 last year, triggering outrage.