Gauri Lankesh murder: SIT releases 3 sketches of 2 main suspects

News Network

October 14, 2017

Bengaluru, Oct 14: The Special Investigation Team, after 38 days of investigation into the murder of activist-journalist Gauri Lankesh, on Saturday released three sketches of two suspects and sought help from the public to identify them.

SIT chief B.K. Singh said that the sketches, including two different for one suspect, were prepared after analysing the CCTV footage and getting physical description of suspects from eye witnesses. So far, the SIT had questioned over 250 persons in the case.

Gauri, who had led a crusade against Hindutva extremism, was shot dead in her residence at Raja Rajeshwari Nagar on September 5, 2017. In the press release, SIT has appealed people to cooperate in the investigation and inform the team if there is any clue on the suspects.

They wrote, "A Special Investigation Team has been constituted to investigate the murder of noted journalist Ms. Gauri Lankesh. Based on the information collected during the investigation, we have prepared sketches of suspected accused persons of this case. It is also suspected that these persons have stayed in the area nearby the residence of Ms. Gauri Lankesh. We have also obtained video clips of a motor cycle rider, who is suspected to also be involved in the commission of thisoffence.

Therefore, the public is requested to provide any information they may have, to the below mentioned contact details, about the suspected persons in the sketch, the motorcycle rider in the video clips, or the motorcycle used by the suspect in the video and also any other information on the above said suspects. The identity of any person giving such information shall be kept confidential and will not be revealed to anyone. Such persons giving information leading to the apprehension of the accused in this case shall be suitably rewarded as already declared by the Government. The members of the Press are requested to give wide publicity to this appeal."

Do you have any information? Kindly contact the SIT, Room No. 104, CID Office, Bengaluru; call 9480800202; send an email to [email protected]; or WhatsApp 09480800304, 9480801701.

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Wanted for 2 decades, Naxal leader Vikram Gowda killed in encounter in Udupi

News Network

November 19,2024

The Karnataka Police’s Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) achieved a major breakthrough on Monday night by eliminating Vikram Gowda, one of Karnataka’s most wanted Naxal leaders for over two decades. The encounter occurred in the dense Kabbinale forest of Udupi district, marking a significant victory against Naxal insurgency in the region.

Who Was Vikram Gowda?

Hailing from Hebri in Udupi, Vikram Gowda, 44, was a prominent figure in the Naxal movement. He went underground in 2002, initially serving as a courier and fund collector before rising to lead a breakaway Naxal group. Despite having only a fourth-grade education, he was a staunch advocate for tribal rights and a key player in the movement’s survival in Karnataka.

Bounty: ₹3 lakh from Karnataka and ₹50,000 from Kerala.

Legacy: The last major Naxal leader in Karnataka after the 2021 arrest of B G Krishnamurthy.

The Encounter

Police revealed that Gowda and his team visited Kabbinale village to collect groceries on Monday night. Acting on a tip-off, ANF ambushed the group. When the Naxals opened fire, ANF responded, leading to Gowda's death.

Escapees: Three Naxals fled, including prominent members Latha (aka Mundgaru Latha) and Raju.

Significance: This was the first Naxal casualty in Karnataka in over two decades.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed the operation, stating, “Gowda was elusive for 20 years, escaping multiple encounters. His death is a critical step in dismantling Naxal operations in the region.”

The Decline of Naxal Activity in Karnataka

Karnataka's Naxal movement has been dwindling, with members seeking refuge in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The group’s strength had reduced to just 19 members by 2018, but recent sightings indicate attempts at revival:

2023 Activity: Reports of Gowda-led movements in the Kodagu and Hassan districts reignited concerns.

Political Heat: The BJP criticised the Congress government, alleging it created a “safe haven” for Naxals.

A Glimpse into Gowda’s Past

Personal Life: Gowda’s ex-wife, Savitri (alias Rajita), was arrested in 2021. She was a senior Naxal commander involved in insurgency since 2004.
Rehabilitation Efforts: Since 2013, Karnataka’s rehabilitation policy has seen 14 Naxals surrender and reintegrate into mainstream society.

A Milestone in Karnataka’s Fight Against Insurgency

The operation signifies a decisive blow to Naxal resurgence in the Western Ghats. While the ANF continues its search for escapees, the Karnataka government reaffirmed its commitment to offering rehabilitation to those willing to surrender.

As Karnataka celebrates this triumph, the message is clear: there is no room for insurgency in the state.

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