Vikram Gowda: From a hotel labourer to Naxal leader killed in encounter in Karnataka's Udupi

Vikram's mother, Gulabi Gowda in the past had tearfully recounted how they realised Vikram had become a Naxalite only when police inquiries intensified at their home, following the surge in Naxal activities.

Udupi: Vikram Gowda, hailing from Koodlu in Nadpal Gram Panchayat in Hebri taluk, once worked in a hotel in Hebri to support his impoverished family. He started with a protest against the Kudremukh National Park project.

He had studied up to class 4. At that time, there was widespread fear in the undivided Dakshina Kannada district, with people being evicted from forest fringes.

A group from Chikkamagaluru district was actively organising protests against the government in areas like Kabbinale, Nadpalu, and Mutlupadi.

His mother, Gulabi Gowda in the past had tearfully recounted how they realised Vikram had become a Naxalite only when police inquiries intensified at their home, following the surge in Naxal activities.

Following the disappearance of Vikram from home, the family were frequently visited by the police and ANF in the name of questioning.

The constant visits created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. Suresh Gowda, brother of Vikram relocated to Mudradi where he took up the job of a daily wage labour to support his wife and children. His mother Gulabi too passed away a few years ago.

Vikram's involvement with the Naxal movement led to increased Naxal activities in Hebri, Karkala, including an attack in 2004 at Kabbinale in Hebri.

In fact, from 2006 to 2011, B G Krishnamurthy led the Naxalites in the state. Later, Vikram took over the leadership in the state during 2011.

He is accused in a total of 114 cases - 61 in Karnataka and 19 in Kerala. Of the 61 cases, three are related to murder - Sadashiva Gowda in Hebri in 2011, murder of 42-year-old Venkatesh in Sringeri police station limits in 2007, and death of KSRP constable Mahadev S Mane in an encounter with Naxals in Belthangady police station limits in 2011.

It may be recalled that the Karnataka government has approved revised surrender policy to bring Naxals to the mainstream of the society in March 2024, wherein financial support of Rs 7.5 lakh was announced.

If they wish for self-employment like business, they are promised Rs 5,000 per month for undergoing training in a recognised institution.