Udupi: In a major breakthrough for anti-Naxal operations, Vikram Gowda, alias Srikanth (46), Karnataka’s most wanted Naxal leader, was killed in an encounter with the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) on Monday late evening at Pithabail near Kabbinale, approximately 50 km from Udupi.

Vikram, who hailed from Nadpalu village in the Hebri police station limits, headed the Kabini Dalam-2 unit of Naxals in Karnataka.

“Vikram Gowda alias Vikram Gowdlu alias Srikanth died during an exchange of fire between the ANF and Naxals on Monday. He was the most wanted and dreaded Naxal in Karnataka,” Internal Security Division (ISD) IGP D Roopa told reporters on Tuesday. She confirmed that a probe is underway.

The ANF comes under the ISD wing.

The encounter occurred when the ANF team encountered a group of Naxals in the forested area of Pithabail in Kabbinale. Despite warnings, the Naxals did not surrender, leading to the exchange of fire that resulted in Gowda’s death.

“There has been a continuous combing operation in the forest since November 10. Recently, ISD DGP Pranab Mohanty supervised the operations and provided instructions. The district police, under the Western Range, have also extended full cooperation,” IGP Roopa stated.

“There are 61 cases registered against Vikram Gowda including murder and extortion. He has 19 cases in Kerala. This is the fourth encounter for the ANF since its formation in 2005. This is a feather in the cap of ANF,” she added.

The combing operation was led by ANF SP Jithendra Dayama.

“The combing operation involved 75 officers and personnel from the Karnataka State Industrial Security Force (KSISF) from Bengaluru and 25 from Shivamogga,” she added.

She added that the police department would keep a tab on the 5-6 active Naxals in the region.

“We will continue combing operations. The government has come up with a new surrender policy. Our preference is for surrender over conflict,” she added.