Madikeri: The Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) started combing operations after they received information that three Naxals were spotted moving around in Kodagu’s border and Madikeri Taluk’s Koyanadu, Sampaje and Sulya forest region.

It has been reported that the three Naxalites visited a few houses in Koyanadu forest region on the night of Feb.2 and demanded groceries from the locals. The movement of the Naxals is causing anxiety among the people in the region.

The three Naxalite men in green Military fatigues speaking in Tulu and Kannada have gone to the homes of Koyanadu village Guddagadde residents Kudiyara Shankappa, Kitna, Nagaveni and Nalinakshi and introduced themselves as Naxalites. Later, they have got the ration card from them and demanded some more rations. At this time, the residents did not have too much groceries.

Meantime, the Naxals have given Rs.2,000 cash to Shankappa’s children Chidananda and Ganesh and asked them to get the groceries from a shop. They have also told the boys that they would look after their parents Shankappa and Indira and warned them that if they inform anyone of their presence, then the lives of the parents would be in danger.

The boys terrified hearing the words of the Naxals have gone to the shop to purchase the required materials and given it to them. Later, they had food at Shankappa’s house. After having their food, they have climbed the hillock and moved towards Subramanya forest border, revealed the locals to the Police.

On receiving information, Kodagu District Superintendent of Police P. Rajendra Prasad, Madikeri Dy.SP Sundar Raj, Rural Police Inspector Pradeep Kumar and other staff started searching for the Naxalites late into the night. Yesterday morning, the Anit-Naxal Force arrived and started the combing operations in Koyanadu, Sampaje, Sulya and Subramanya regions.

The vehicles passing through these regions are being checked and a close watch has been kept on the District’s forest region including Kodagu border Sampaji gate.

The Naxals are suspected to have moved towards Subramanya and the search operations have been intensified. However, SP Prasad said that they were not sure whether they were ‘Naxals or poachers.’

Suspicion of Vikram Gowda’s presence

The Police have received information that Udupi District’s Naxal, Vikram Gowda who is opposing the move of bringing Naxals into the mainstream, was also a part of the three-member team. He is said to be one of the persons wanted by the Police who was seen with the other two Naxals.

When the ANF who is conducting the combing operations showed Gowda’s photo to Shankappa and his family they have confirmed that he was also one of the three Naxals who had visited them.