Naxal killed, constable hurt in encounter

Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) Superintendent of Police Vasudevmurthy told Deccan Herald that the ANF and the Hebri and Ajekaru police, during their combing operation, noticed three naxals moving in the forest around 4 pm.

When the naxals opened fire, the Anti-Naxal Force  retaliated and one of the naxals, identified as Vasanth Gowdlu, was killed in the ensuing encounter. Police constable Rajesh, who was critically injured, has been shifted to a hospital in Manipal, Vasudevmurthy said.
Of the two others who managed to escape one is a woman identified as Sundari, the SP said. Vasanth Gowdlu from Potanatadka near Kutlur of Naravi in Belthangadi taluk, was active in Naxal movement for the past eight to ten years. Son of Babu Malekudiya, Vasanth has five siblings and he was closely associated with other movements before he joined the naxals. The naxals were active in Hebri over the last two weeks. They visited the villages for food and held meetings to encourage the youth to join them.
The ANF and police were on the combing operation since a month.

Chikmagalur on alert
The Chikmagalur police are on high alert in the district boundary following the encounter.
“Checkpoints have been located at various entry and exit points and combing has begun,” Koppa DySP Ahad Puttige told Deccan Herald.
Two naxals - Ajith Kusubi and Vasanth Banakallu were killed in the previous encounter that took place near Devarbalu of Hallihole in Udupi district five years ago.
DH News Service