One naxalite killed in police encounter

Chikmagalur, Karnataka, Dec 26 (UNI) A naxalite leader was killed in Kigga forest near the temple town of Sringeri in Chikmagalur district last night in an encounter between police and naxalites.

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

The ANF team which spotted the three-member group carrying weapons tried to apprehend them. However, the maoists while attempting to flee, opened fire at the ANF team and in retaliation police returned the fire killing Gowda.

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

Police had a brief exchange of fire with the maoists groups near Shankaranarayana forest area in Udupi district last month. In the incident the maoists group had managed to escape into the forests.

UNI MV VK AD DS1140