Vikram Gowda (Photo by arrangement)
Udupi: Vikram Gowda, a prominent Maoist leader and head of the Netravati wing operating in Karnataka’s Western Ghats, was killed in an encounter with the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) late Monday night near Kabbinale village, about 50 km from Udupi.
The ANF, along with local police, had intensified combing operations in the Western Ghats region following reports of Maoist activity in Chikkamagaluru, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada districts. The Maoists, who had been relatively inactive in recent years, were reportedly seen in the area in recent months.
According to officials, an ANF team confronted a group of four Maoists near Kabbinale in the Hebri Police Station limits during a late-night operation. The group is believed to have come to the area to procure rations. An exchange of fire ensued, resulting in the death of one individual, while the others managed to escape. The deceased is suspected to be Vikram Gowda, though police are awaiting official confirmation.
The incident occurred in a dense forest area with poor network connectivity, delaying detailed reports. Senior police officials are expected to visit the site shortly to assess the situation.
Vikram Gowda, a native of Nadpalu village under Hebri Police Station limits in Udupi district, was a key figure in the Maoist movement in Karnataka. He became associated with the movement during protests against the Kudremukh National Park project and remained active for over two decades, evading arrest despite being implicated in multiple cases across Udupi and Chikkamagaluru districts.
While it was rumored that Gowda had shifted his operations to Kerala in recent years, his death underscores ongoing Maoist efforts to sustain their activities in the Karnataka region.
The ANF, along with local police, had intensified combing operations in the Western Ghats region following reports of Maoist activity in Chikkamagaluru, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada districts. The Maoists, who had been relatively inactive in recent years, were reportedly seen in the area in recent months.
According to officials, an ANF team confronted a group of four Maoists near Kabbinale in the Hebri Police Station limits during a late-night operation. The group is believed to have come to the area to procure rations. An exchange of fire ensued, resulting in the death of one individual, while the others managed to escape. The deceased is suspected to be Vikram Gowda, though police are awaiting official confirmation.
The incident occurred in a dense forest area with poor network connectivity, delaying detailed reports. Senior police officials are expected to visit the site shortly to assess the situation.
Vikram Gowda, a native of Nadpalu village under Hebri Police Station limits in Udupi district, was a key figure in the Maoist movement in Karnataka. He became associated with the movement during protests against the Kudremukh National Park project and remained active for over two decades, evading arrest despite being implicated in multiple cases across Udupi and Chikkamagaluru districts.
While it was rumored that Gowda had shifted his operations to Kerala in recent years, his death underscores ongoing Maoist efforts to sustain their activities in the Karnataka region.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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