Anti-Naxal Force, Kodagu-Kerala Police increase surveillance; look out for injured Maoists

Madikeri: The Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) and the Karnataka and Kerala State Police have increased surveillance along the Karnataka-Kerala border following a confrontation between Maoists and security forces in the border areas. The Naxal camp is located five kilometres away from the Kerala border.

The clash transpired between Naxals and Kerala ANF personnel near Kutta village in Virajpet taluk, Kodagu district. All Naxals fled the scene after the incident, during which intense gunfire ensued between the Naxals  and the Police.

Sources indicate that the Naxalites belonged to the ‘Kabini’ group and were under the leadership of an individual named Moideen. Superintendent of Police for the ANF Anush Kumar Srivastav and Kodagu SP Ramarajan stated that security has been heightened at State borders to prevent potential Maoist infiltration.

After the skirmish, ANF personnel discovered a locally-made gun and a pistol, along with bloodstains at the encounter site. The ANF suspects that injured Naxals may seek refuge in the Kodagu Forest area. Vigil has been intensified at clinics, hospitals, medical shops  and home-based clinics, as there is suspicion that the Maoists might seek medical assistance for the injured Naxals.

There are concerns that individuals from Kerala supporting Naxalites may be assisting them in moving to Mysuru or other distant locations in vehicles. The Kerala Police arrested two suspected Naxalites, Srimathi alias Unnimaya and Chandru alias Thiruvendigam, in Wayanad, Kerala, on Nov. 7. The affected areas in Kodagu, with numerous homestays within dense jungles, have prompted home stay owners to be on high alert.

“We have increased vigilance and have alerted villagers and home stay owners on the Kodagu-Kerala border to prevent potential Maoist infiltration,” stated Anshu Kumar Srivastav.

To bolster security, the ANF deployed additional armed Police personnel at checkpoints, conducting inspections of passing vehicles. SP Ramarajan conducted inspections in Kutta, Teralu, Parakatageri and Birunani villages yesterday. The SP also discussed joint combing operations to be conducted by the Police and the ANF. Beat Police have been notified.