Bengaluru, Nov 20 (PTI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday appeared to justify the killing of Maoist leader Vikram Gowda during a meeting with the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF), noting that he was facing several criminal cases and had also chosen to ignore the government. direction to lay down their arms and join the mainstream.

“There is a standing order. We said that if they (Naxals) surrendered, they would be given all facilities. He (Gowda) did not surrender. The Kerala government had announced a reward of Rs 25 lakh for him, our government had announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh,” Siddaramaiah said, in response to a question on some ‘intellectuals’ expressing doubts over Monday’s encounter.

Gowda (46) was killed in an alleged exchange of fire between the ANF and a group of Maoists near Peetebailu village in Kabbinale area near Hebri in Udupi district.

According to authorities, he was one of the most wanted Maoist leaders in Karnataka, facing 61 cases, including murder and extortion, in the state and 19 in Kerala. PTI KSU RS RS

This report is automatically generated from PTI news service. ThePrint assumes no responsibility for its content.