Vikram Gowda, a key Naxal leader who had been absconding for over two decades, was shot dead during an encounter with the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) in the Western Ghats on Monday. The incident occurred during a police operation to apprehend Naxal operatives in the region.
On Monday night, a team of Maoists engaged in exchange of fire with Anti Naxal Force at Kabbinale.
According to the Hebri Police in Udupi district, Gowda engaged in a confrontation with the ANF team, leading to the fatal encounter. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara confirmed the incident, stating, "Naxal Vikram Gowda was absconding for 20 years. Last week, naxals Raju and Latha were spotted...Vikram started to attack the Police, so an encounter had to be done. There were 3 others with him during the incident but they are absconding now. We will share more details later."
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The Home Minister also recalled that the state government permits Naxals to surrender and lead their lives.
"These mainstreaming attempts are continuing currently as well. The state government will allow Naxals who want to surrender their weapons to lead normal lives. This process will go on. However, these incidents will occur naturally, when they try to flee the police in the forest region," Parameshwara stated, as per a report on IANS.
Gowda had been actively operating in the Sringeri, Narasimharajapura, Karkala, and Udupi regions in recent days. Reports indicate increased Naxalite activity in these areas, leading to intensified combing operations by anti-Naxal forces.