A 46-year-old dangerous Naxalite was killed by the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) near Idu village of Karkala taluk in Udupi district of Karnataka. Home Minister G Parameshwara said ANF was trying to capture Naxalite Vikram Gowda for almost 20 years. There are 61 cases registered against him in Karnataka, including murder and extortion, and 19 cases in Kerala. There were many encounters with him before, but each time he escaped.
According to Inspector General of Police (IGP) D Roopa Moudgil, Vikram Gowda led the Naxalite group ‘Kabini 2’. During an intensive search operation on Monday afternoon, the ANF under the Internal Security Division spotted a group of Naxalites. As soon as the Naxalites saw the FAN, they started shooting. After this, in retaliation, ANF killed Vikram Gowda, while his companions escaped from there.
The IGP said Vikram Gowda had been leading Naxalite operations in south India for two decades. He took refuge in Kerala and Tamil Nadu and visited Kodagu (in Karnataka) several times. He constantly moved from one state to another to escape the police. ANF was monitoring his activities but could not catch him. Last week two Naxalites, Raju and Lata, were seen.
Both had escaped, avoiding the ANF. A search operation was carried out for almost a week to capture him. Suddenly, NAF officials got information about Vikram Gowda. After this he was murdered. IGP Rupa Moudgil said his murder has greatly weakened the Naxalite movement in Kerala and Karnataka. Two Naxalite groups are active in the Western Ghats region of Karnataka.
The largest group among them was led by Vikram Gowda. After his death, both groups are on the verge of disintegration. ANF will continue its search operations in the area with the help of the state police. 100 personnel of the Karnataka State Internal Security Division were from Bengaluru and Shivamogga. He participated in the search operation starting November 10. Vikram Gowda alias Srikanth was one of the most wanted Naxalites in Karnataka.
IGP said that after Vikram Gowda, five or six people are still absconding. They are being expected. Those people can retaliate. Asked if the encounter was necessary and could not have become widespread, Home Minister G. Parameshwara said: “He (Gowda) opened fire on the police as soon as he saw them, so they had to take retaliation. This is the first basic measure.” information I have received.”
