The Indian journalism society has been thrown into mourning session following the murder of Gauri Lankesh, Indian prominent journalist and editor who was critical of the Hindu ruling party, by unknown gunmen.

Lankesh, who was reputed as a courageous journalist, was shot dead Tuesday night outside her home in Bangalore, just as she got out of her car.

She is known to be critical of Hindu nationalist politics in India. According to police, Gauri Lankesh, 55, was found lying in a pool of blood on her doorstep.

She was shot in the head and chest by gunmen who arrived by motorcycle. The motive for the crime was not clear.

The most high-profile Indian journalist murdered in recent years, Ms Lankesh was buried with full state honours.

There were also protests against her killing in several Indian cities, including the capital, Delhi.

Gauri edited a Kannada Language publication, and regularly spoke up for social justice, minorities, press freedom, and the right to dissent — at a time of growing majoritarianism and authoritarian politics in India.

She was increasingly threatened on social media and other platforms by supporters of right-wing Hindu groups.