Udupi: Maoist leader Vikram Gowda (46) was killed in an exchange of fire between the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) and a group of Naxals at Peete Bailu village in Kabbinale area near Hebri of Udupi district late on Monday night. The incident marks the first killing of a Naxal leader in an encounter in Karnataka since...

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.