Female Naxalite injured in Police encounter

Udupi, July 18: Anti-Naxal Squad and Police have intensified combing operation in the forest areas near Agumbe in Shimoga District where an Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) was killed and a female naxalite was injured in an encounter last night.

Confirming the death of ASI Venkatesh during the encounter, IGP (western Range) A N Prasad told the sources that one female naxalite was suspected to have been injured.

The combing operation has been continuing in Huligarubali forest area where encounter took place yesterday night.

Mr Venkatesh, who was on civil dress spotted a group of Naxalites and informed higher authorities. Naxalites started firing at the police who retaliated. The encounter lasted for three hours from 1800 hrs with heavy rain lashing the area.

The police suspect that there were about six naxalites when the exchange of fire occurred.

The mortal remains of Venkatesh was confined to flames today.

Meanwhile, parts of Thirthahalli in Shimoga district observed self proclaimed bandh in protest against the killing by the Naxalites.

All educational institutions were declared holiday as precautionary measure and business establishments downed their shutters.

Meanwhile, police have made all arrangements to tackle the situation following the bandh call given by the naxalites on July 19 in the areas of Kalasa coming under Kudremukh National Park, Sringeri and Bajagoli, the border areas of Udupi and Daxina Kannada to protest against the killing of Naxalite Gautham and four other associates at Menasinahadya forest area on July 10.

UNI