In a critical operation against Maoist activity, Vikram Gowda, a prominent Maoist leader, was fatally shot during a confrontation with law enforcement in the Kabbinale forest of Udupi district on Monday night. This encounter marks the first significant clash of its kind in the region in over a decade.
Acting on intelligence regarding a group of five Maoists procuring essentials in a nearby settlement, authorities launched an operation. When approached, the group reportedly opened fire, prompting retaliation. Gowda was neutralized during the skirmish, while the other members escaped. Officers recovered three firearms from a residence linked to the group.
The incident highlights increasing Maoist activities in Karnataka’s Western Ghats, particularly in the Dakshina Kannada and Chikkamagaluru areas. Maoist factions have been organizing meetings in opposition to the Forest Rights Act and land acquisition for infrastructure projects.
This latest operation continues a long-standing crackdown on Maoist insurgency in the region. The killing of Saketh Rajan, a leading Maoist, in Chikkamagaluru’s Menasinahadya in 2005 was a turning point, significantly weakening the movement. Since then, February 5 has been commemorated by Maoists as “Red Salute Day” in Rajan’s memory.
Authorities remain vigilant as efforts to curb the resurgence of extremist activity in these forested areas continue.
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