Daijiworld Media Network -Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Nov 19: DIG (Internal Security) Roopa D Moudgil visited the site of a major encounter in the forests of Hebri, Udupi, where notorious Naxal leader Vikram Gowda was killed in a gunfight. The operation, part of a 10-day combing exercise by the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF), began on November 10 and was aimed at tracking down Gowda, who had been on the run for years.
DIG Roopa D Moudgil, along with Western Range IGP Amit Singh and Udupi SP Dr. Arun Kumar, arrived at the encounter site in Kabbinale to oversee the investigation and coordinate further actions. A forensic team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), along with fingerprint experts, was deployed to gather evidence and assist with the probe.
Speaking with media persons, Roopa Moudgil provided details of the operation: "The operation, led by Jitendra Dayan, was part of a continuous combing exercise in the forests of Hebri. ANF, along with local police and intelligence teams, tracked down Vikram Gowda and engaged in a gunfight that led to his death. This is a significant achievement for the ANF. Gowda was a notorious Naxal leader with 61 cases against him, including charges of murder and extortion. He also faced 19 cases in Kerala. We had asked for his surrender, but he refused. There was firing from both sides during the operation. The postmortem will be conducted at KMC Hospital, and the investigation will continue. The combing operation will also continue. More details will emerge after the investigation. This operation is a major success for the ANF."
Vikram Gowda had been involved in multiple violent incidents and was considered one of the most-wanted Naxals in the region. His criminal activities spanned both Karnataka and Kerala, making him a key figure in the Naxal movement. His death is seen as a significant blow to Naxal forces operating in the Western Ghats.
The body will undergo postmortem at KMC Hospital in Udupi, and authorities have pledged to continue combing the region to eliminate any remaining Naxal elements. Further details will be released as the investigation progresses.