Udupi: Vikram Gowda, one of Karnataka’s top Naxal leaders, was killed in an encounter with the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) on Monday evening at Kabbinale, close to his native village Nadpal. Hailing from a Malekudiya tribal family, Vikram’s journey into Naxalism was shaped by socio-political circumstances and personal grievances.
Vikram, who had studied only up to the fourth standard and worked in a hotel, was initially drawn to the anti-Kudremukh National Park movement. The movement gained the attention of the people as locals feared displacement and restrictions on their traditional livelihoods due to the declaration of the National Park. Naxal organizations, opposing the displacement, attracted support from people like Vikram.
"Vikram lived in his house near Kudlu Falls and participated in protests against the Kudremukh National Park. Suspected of being a Naxal supporter, he was repeatedly questioned.
Over the years Vikram was angry with the officials and attracted by the Naxal movement."
Vikram gradually became deeply involved in Naxal activities, eventually rising to prominence alongside leaders like BG Krishnamurthy. While Krishnamurthy was arrested, Vikram emerged as one of the top leaders. He remained elusive until his death in Monday’s encounter.
Key Encounters in Karnataka’s Fight Against Naxals
Over the years, several major encounters between Naxals and security forces have shaped Karnataka’s anti-Naxal operations.
Eedu Encounter (Nov. 17, 2003, Udupi): Left-wing activists Parvathi and Hajima were killed by police.
Menasinahadya Encounter (Feb. 6, 2005, Chikkamagaluru): Naxal leader Saketrajan alias Prem and his associate Shivalingu alias Arun were killed.
Devarabalu Encounter (June 23, 2005, Udupi): Naxals Ajith Kusubi and Umesh were killed.
Keramudi Encounter (Dec. 25, 2006, Chikkamagaluru): Dinakar was killed.
Adyadka Encounter (July 10, 2007, Dakshina Kannada): Goutham was killed, along with Sundaresh, Ramegoudlu, Kaveramma, and Parameshwar (controversy persists over whether they were innocent).
Muttina Kadave Encounter (Nov. 18, 2008): Naxals Manohar, Devaiah, and Ravi were killed, and Constable Guruprasad lost his life.
Balehalla Encounter (Sept. 4, 2012): Naxal Yellappa was killed.
Pithabail Encounter (Nov 18, 2024): Vikram Gowda killed.
Major Killings by Naxals
The Naxals have also executed individuals branded as “police informants” or opponents:
May 17, 2005: P. Sheshaih at Menasinahadya.
June 3, 2007: Shopkeeper Venkatesh at Gandaghatta near Kigga.
May 15, 2008: Bhoja Shetty and Suresh Shetty at Seethanadi in Udupi.
Dec. 7, 2008: Agriculturist Keshava Yediyal at Yedgeri in Udupi.
Dec. 20, 2011: Sadashiva Gowda near Tengmar in Karkala Taluk.
