One naxalite killed in police encounter in Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur (Karnataka), Dec 26: A naxalite leader was killed inKigga forest near the temple town Sringeri in Chickmagalur districtlast night in a encounter between the police and the naxalites.

According to police sources naxalite group leader Vikram Gowda wasgunned down by the Anti Naxal Force (ANF) personnel during theencounter. Gowda was said to be the leader of a maoist group operatingin the thick forests in the district.

The ANF team which spotted s three-member group carrying weaponstried to apprehend them. However the maoists while attempting to fleeopened fire at the ANF team and in retaliation police returned the firekilling Gowda.

The gang mebers included a woman and combing operations have been stepped up to nab the remaining two.

Police had a brief exchange of fire with the maoists groups nearShankaranarayana forest area in Udupi district last month. In theincident the maoists group had managed to escape into the forests afterleaving behind some of their baggage.

UNI