Karnataka: Judicial probe demanded into Naxal leader Vikram Gowda's killing

Mangaluru: The recent encounter killing of Naxal leader Vikram Gowda by the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) in Karnataka has sparked a demand for a proper probe into the incident.

Adivasi Hakkugala Samanvaya Samiti Belthangady Taluk convener and state committee member Shekhar Laila has called for an immediate judicial inquiry by the state government into the incident.

“Over the past 21 years, multiple Naxal encounters have taken place in Karnataka, starting with the one in Edu village of Karkala taluk. However, unlike previous encounters, the Vikram Gowda incident stands out for the peculiar evacuation of local residents two days prior to the operation. This unusual sequence of events has led to widespread skepticism about the encounter’s authenticity,” he said.

Shekhar Laila highlighted several anomalies surrounding the incident.

“The ANF barred media personnel from accessing the site and prevented even a glimpse of the body. The police's claim that the encounter occurred inside a house has also raised eyebrows. Additionally, no policeman has been injured in the supposed exchange of fire,” he said.

“The question arises—if the Naxals opened fire, whom did their bullets hit? Why were central armed forces called in prior to the encounter? Has the state's Anti-Naxal Force become so incompetent? Was this operation carried out by the ANF or central armed forces?” he asked.