Fugitive on the run for 20 years, Naxal leader killed in Udupi encounter

Naxal leader Vikram Gowda, wanted for two decades, was killed by the Anti-Naxal Force in Udupi's Kabbinale forest during a combing operation. According to the ANF, this is a first reported Maoist encounter in Udupi district.

In Short

• Naxal leader Vikram Gowda killed in shootout in Udupi’s Kabbinale forest
• Gowda, key figure in Naxal movement had evaded capture for two decades
• Gowda’s accomplices manage to escape, search operations underway

Naxal leader Vikram Gowda, wanted for over 20 years, was killed in an encounter with the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) at Kabbinale forest, Udupi district in Karnataka, on Monday. The operation occurred during a combing exercise conducted by the ANF, acting on intelligence regarding Naxal activity in the forested region.

Sources said that the ANF and Udupi police personnel went to a place near Hebri taluk on a tip off that about five armed Maoists had arrived to collect groceries. The incident marks the first reported encounter in Udupi district in over 13 years.

Hebri Police Sub-Inspector (SI) Mahesh TM confirmed that Gowda was killed in an encounter.
“The deceased is Vikram Gowda, a most-wanted Naxal from Kudlu village in Nadralu, Hebri taluk. Acting on a tip-off about Naxal movement in the area, the ANF police team launched an armed operation late Monday night and targeted the Naxals,” Mahesh said.

According to Home Minister G Parameshwara, Vikram Gowda was a key figure in the Naxal movement and had evaded capture for decades. “The Naxal group was active, and Vikram was a long-wanted Naxal leader. During the operation, he opened fire at police officers, prompting retaliatory action, which resulted in his death,” Parameshwara said.

The encounter unfolded deep in the forest area of Kabbinale. While Vikram Gowda was neutralized, the Home Minister revealed that two to three other individuals accompanying him managed to escape into the jungle. The ANF has intensified its combing operations in the area to track down the remaining suspects.

Further investigations and search operations are ongoing.