A Naxal leader wanted in both Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh was killed in an encounter at Uruvakonda in Anantpur district, Andhra Pradesh, on Friday night. Two policemen were injured in the incident while three of Reddy’s associates escaped.
As many as 24 cases like extortion and illegal arms storage are registered against him in Andhra Pradesh while two cases are registered in Karnataka.
According to the police, Chella Gopal alias Kamma Gopal alias Ranga Reddy alias Ajay alias Mohan was active in Hindupur, Lepakshi, Chilamatur, Amarapuram, Gorantla, Kambaduru, Kadiri, Puttaparti, Bukkapatnam, Chennakota Palli, Penukonda of Andhra Pradesh and Chitradurga, Tumkur and Bellary districts in Karnataka.
Reddy, who was with the PWG -ROC (Ashok) faction before, had formed the CPI-ML in 1990, with Kamalapur in Hospet taluk as his hideout. Police had also seized 14 single bore sten guns, one revolver, a huge quantity of gelatin, detonators and hand grenades on April 4, 2006 in Boodugumpa Cross, Koppal.