Karnataka Chief Minister, Home Minister defend Naxal leader's encounter killing

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G Parameshwara defended the killing of Naxal leader Vikram Gowda, citing his refusal to surrender despite repeated calls. Both leaders rejected calls for an investigation, asserting that the encounter was lawful and necessary for public safety.

In Short

• Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defended Maoist leader's killing during encounter
• Home Minister said Gowda armed with automatic weapons, posed danger
• Both rejected investigations call, citing over 60 criminal cases against Gowda

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday justified the killing of Naxal leader Vikram Gowda in an encounter with the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF), citing his criminal history and refusal to surrender. Gowda, one of Karnataka’s most wanted Maoists, faced 61 cases, including murder and extortion, in the state and 19 in Kerala.

“There is a standing order. We have said that if they (Naxals) surrender, they will be given all the facilities. He (Gowda) did not surrender. Kerala government had announced Rs 25 lakh reward on him, our government had announced Rs 5 lakh reward,” Siddaramaiah said, responding to criticism from some “intellectuals” expressing doubts about the encounter. “You should appreciate it (the encounter). Should Naxalism remain or go?”

The 46-year-old, who had been a fugitive for over two decades, was killed in an alleged exchange of fire with the ANF near Peetebailu village in Kabbinale area, Udupi district. Officials stated he was armed and posed a significant threat to the personnel.

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara, too, defended the encounter killing. Parameshwara rejected demands for a probe, emphasising that Gowda was carrying “deadly” weapons at the time of the encounter and posed an imminent threat to ANF personnel.

“He was carrying an automatic machine gun-like weapon. If the ANF had not shot him, he would have fired at them," Parameshwara said, dismissing any suspicion surrounding the killing. He explained that the decision to shoot was made to prevent Gowda from firing on the personnel, noting that he had over 60 cases against him, including murder charges.

Parameshwara also addressed comments made by Karkala BJP MLA V Sunil Kumar, who claimed that Naxal activities had increased since the Congress came to power. The Minister clarified that the incident occurred in Karkala, where the ANF is based. He stated that the force had been monitoring Naxal activity closely and had recently carried out a combing operation following reports of two Naxal leaders, Latha and Raju, being sighted in the region.

"Tell me, in what angle investigation should be done? Everything was done within the framework of law. The person who was involved in murders, carrying weapons like automatic machine guns, cannot be left and treated in a friendly manner," Parameshwara stated.

He also addressed criticism from some Leftist groups who alleged that the encounter reflected no difference between Congress and the BJP, arguing that the matter was about safety, not political allegiance. He noted that Gowda had been urged to surrender by both his family and authorities, but had ignored those pleas.