Maoist leader Vikram Gowda killed in encounter in Karnataka

Maoist leader Vikram Gowda was killed in an alleged exchange of fire with the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) at Peetabailu village near Hebri in Udupi district on November 18 night. It is the first killing of a Maoist leader in an encounter in Karnataka since 2012. Gowda, 44, a class 4 dropout from the tribal Malekudiya community, was wanted for 22 years and had over 114 cases pending against him in Karnataka and Kerala.

The Hindu reports that six members of the Maoist 'Kabini Dalam', including Gowda, had been searching for a safe place in four districts and were reportedly contacting old contacts to initiate surrender. Home Minister G. Parameshwara said three others with Gowda are missing and that the Maoists opened fire on the police squad. ANF recovered a 9-mm carbine machine gun allegedly used by Gowda. No ANF personnel were hurt.

Banjagere Jayaprakash, a member of the Karnataka State committee for the rehabilitation of Left Wing Extremists, condemned the killing and demanded a judicial probe. He said that despite appeals, no Maoists have surrendered.