Madikeri: A high alert has been sounded in parts of Kodagu that borders Sullia taluk of Dakshina Kannada following the movement of Naxalites. Anti-Naxal Force is conducting combing operations in places including Bhagamandala, Talacauvery Forest, Karike and Kakkabe in Kodagu.

Kodagu Additional SP Satish told Star of Mysore this morning that villagers residing in these places have spotted armed Naxalites and they have complained to the Police. “A team of 15 Naxalites with advanced weapons are roaming in forest areas of Kodagu and Sullia and on Thursday night, three of them visited Madappadi and Kotekaadu areas and barged into the house of one A.J. Thomas and threatened the family with pistols and guns,” he said.

Thomas, who had taken the rubber estate contract of former APMC President Jayaram at Haadikallu village, was asked to serve dinner for the three Naxalites including two women. “After dinner, the Naxalites pointed a gun at Thomas and told him not to report the incident to the Police,” Satish said. While leaving the place, the Naxalites took away dried tobacco leaves that were kept ready for sale.

The Additional SP revealed that Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) has been summoned from Karkala and they are conducting combing operations. Separate teams have been stationed at Bhagamandala, Karike and Kakkabe. The suspected Naxal group belongs to Vikram Gowda’s team.

Meanwhile, an ANF officer who was conducting combing operations has died of heart attack at Madappadi village last night. He has been identified as 40-year-old Rangaswamy from Karkala village. Though his team members tried to resuscitate him, Rangaswamy died inside the forest, the Police said.