One naxalite killed in police encounter in Chikmagalur district

Chikmagalur, Karnataka, Dec 26 (UNI) A naxalite leader was killed in Kigga forest near the temple town Sringeri in Chickmagalur district last night in a encounter between the police and the 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 s 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 and 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 after leaving behind some of their baggage.

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