Chikkamagaluru: Karnataka’s anti-naxal forces (ANF) have intensified security measures and launched a large-scale combing operation in Chikkamagaluru district, escalating concerns about a resurgence of Maoist activity. The operation follows a significant encounter in the Udupi district where a senior Maoist leader, Vikram Gowda, was killed, marking the state’s first such operation in 13 years.
The encounter in Udupi’s Kabbinale forests occurred when a group of five Maoists were reportedly collecting supplies in a village. Intelligence led to the operation, resulting in a shootout around 1: 15 am on Tuesday. Senior Maoist leader Vikram Gowda, who had been actively leading operations for two decades in Karnataka and surrounding states, was killed in the encounter.
Four other Maoists escaped. Gowda’s presence was a significant concern for authorities given his two-decade history within the Maoist movement and previous active role in mobilising and commanding Maoist operations in the region.
The renewed focus on Chikkamagaluru comes in the wake of intelligence suggesting possible Maoist regrouping. Increased security measures include intensified patrols, checkpoints and thorough searches across multiple villages.
Authorities are closely monitoring movement in areas like Yedagunda, Mundagaaru and Bukadibail in Koppa taluk, and Shirlu, Hadi, Matolli, in Sringeri taluk, among others. The operations are under the supervision of the Western Range Inspector General of Police (IGP) Amit Singh, and Superintendent of Police Vikram Amathe.
A key development during the operation was the seizure of a country-made firearm from a villager in Kadegundi village. Authorities suspect that Maoist leader Mundaguru Latha and her group might have recently visited the house.
Three SBML rifles and ammunition were also recovered from the same location, further supporting the intelligence-driven operation.
The operation is ongoing and further details are expected as teams continue to work in the field, closely monitoring movement and conducting thorough searches in various areas across the district,IGP Amit Singh said while speaking to reporters.
The Malnad region of Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, is experiencing a concerning resurgence of Maoist activity, unsettling the relative calm that had prevailed for years. After a significant decline in Maoist operations, following a key encounter in 2005, when top Maoist leader Saketh Rajan was killed, and a final major incident in 2007, recent opposition to forest encroachment clearances appears to have reignited the group’s presence. This resurgence has instilled fear among local residents.
