Belthangady: A wanted Naxal leader identified as John alias Jayanna alias Mahesh (49) was produced before a local court under tight security on Thursday in connection with a 2012 case involving the pasting of Naxal pamphlets in Kothluru village.
Jayanna was brought from Thrissur Jail by the Kerala Special Police and handed over to the local authorities before being presented before the jurisdictional court. The production was carried out amid heightened security arrangements in and around the court premises.
Reinvestigation ordered
The case pertains to an incident reported in 2012 within the limits of the local police station, where pamphlets allegedly linked to Naxal activities were pasted in the courtyard of the house of Lingappa Malekudi at Kothluru. The pamphlets were said to contain messages propagating Naxalite ideology and were treated as an attempt to spread extremist influence in the region.
The court had recently ordered a reinvestigation into the case after certain aspects of the original probe were found to require further examination. Following the reinvestigation order, efforts were intensified to secure the presence of the accused before the court.
Jayanna, originally a resident of Aroli village in Raichur district, had been absconding in connection with multiple cases allegedly linked to Naxal activities across different states. For the past six months, he had been lodged in a Kerala jail. Officials confirmed that he had recently surrendered before the Chief Minister of Kerala, after which legal procedures were initiated to facilitate his production in pending cases outside the state.
Upon receiving the necessary court permissions and transit orders, the Kerala Police coordinated with Karnataka Police to transfer him for court proceedings. He was escorted by a team of armed personnel from the Kerala Special Police to ensure there were no security lapses during transit.
Tight security during production
Security was significantly tightened around the court complex ahead of Jayanna’s arrival. Police personnel were deployed in large numbers, and entry into the premises was regulated. Vehicles entering the compound were subject to checks, and movement of the public was closely monitored.
Officials stated that the security arrangements were made as a precautionary measure, considering Jayanna’s alleged links to banned Naxal outfits and his status as a wanted accused in earlier cases. However, there were no untoward incidents reported during his production before the court.
After being presented, the court took note of his custody status and the ongoing reinvestigation. Legal proceedings in the case are expected to continue based on the findings of the fresh probe.
Background of the 2012 incident
The 2012 pamphlet case had drawn attention at the time due to concerns about possible Naxal presence in parts of Dakshina Kannada district. The pamphlets were reportedly pasted during the night hours in the courtyard of Lingappa Malekudi’s residence in Kothluru, creating anxiety among villagers.
Police had registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and provisions related to unlawful activities. Investigators had then launched a search operation to trace those responsible for the act. While some suspects were questioned, Jayanna was named as a key accused in connection with the dissemination of the material.
Over the years, the case remained pending as the accused was not in custody in Karnataka. The recent surrender in Kerala provided an opportunity for authorities to revive the legal process.
Inter-state coordination
Police officials highlighted the coordination between Kerala and Karnataka authorities in securing Jayanna’s presence before the court. After his surrender and subsequent judicial custody in Kerala, necessary documentation and warrants were processed to enable his production in connection with the pending case.
Legal experts noted that such inter-state coordination is essential in cases involving individuals accused of offences spanning multiple jurisdictions. The reinvestigation ordered by the court is expected to re-examine evidence, statements of witnesses, and other material collected during the initial probe.
Awaiting further proceedings
The court is likely to decide on further custody or remand based on submissions from the prosecution and the defence. Meanwhile, police sources indicated that the reinvestigation would focus on establishing the chain of events surrounding the 2012 pamphlet incident and determining the extent of Jayanna’s alleged involvement.
The production of the accused marks a significant development in a case that has remained dormant for over a decade. With the reinvestigation now underway, authorities aim to ensure that due process is followed and that the matter reaches a logical conclusion through judicial scrutiny.
As proceedings continue, security agencies are expected to maintain vigilance even as the focus shifts to the outcome of the renewed investigation.