Karnataka: Wanted in several cases, Maoist leader Vikram Gowda killed in encounter

Vikram Gowda, a prominent Maoist leader from Karnataka, was killed in an encounter with the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) on the night of November 18 near Peetabailu village in Udupi district. This marks the first killing of a Maoist leader in Karnataka since 2012. Gowda, 44, had been evading capture for 22 years, facing over 114 criminal charges across Karnataka and Kerala. He was a key member of the Maoist group 'Kabini Dalam' and was involved in the 2011 murder of a bamboo basket weaver.

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Before the encounter, Gowda and five other Maoists were reportedly moving through Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, and Kodagu districts, seeking a safe place and possibly arranging to surrender. Acting on intelligence, the ANF intensified combing operations in the region. When the Maoists spotted the police, they opened fire, leading to a violent exchange.

During the clash, a 9-mm carbine machine gun, believed to be used by Gowda, was recovered. Although Gowda was killed, three other Maoists managed to escape. Authorities have since intensified their operations to capture the remaining members of the group.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah highlighted that Gowda's long list of criminal activities led to the encounter. He emphasized that had he or his team chosen to surrender, they would have been offered facilities. However, neither Gowda nor his group opted for surrender.