Madrasa teacher beaten to death by hawkers over price of headphones

News Network
August 28, 2019

New Delhi, Aug 28: A madrasa teacher was allegedly killed after an altercation over the price of a pair of headphones with two hawkers turned violent in north Delhi, police said on Tuesday.

The man, identified as 27-year-old Mohammad Owais, was thrashed by some shopkeepers on Monday night in the market area near Old Delhi Railway Station.

After an argument broke out between them regarding the price of a pair of headphones, the group of shopkeepers surrounded Owais and thrashed him for almost half an hour until he fell unconscious, a Times of India report said.

Two people have been arrested while others are still on the run, police said.

However, family members of the deceased have alleged that he was beaten by more than two people.

The deceased's parents also held a protest on Tuesday demanding the arrest of the accused, the report said.

"Prima facie it is ascertained that the deceased entered into a scuffle with one Lallan and his friend which ultimately led to his death," said Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Harendra Singh.

The locals and people present at the time of the incident claimed that Owais was buying a pair of headphones and while negotiating the price, an argument broke out which later grew and Lallan and Ayub both thrashed him.

"His body was sent for a post mortem examination and was later handed over to his family members for last rites," said an officer privy to the probe.

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News Network
November 19,2024

vikramgowda.jpg

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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