Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (MS)

Karkala, Feb 16: Police brought suspected Naxalite member Srimati to the city in connection with the 2011 kidnap and murder case of Sadashiva Gowda on February 14. Subsequently, on February 15, she was taken to Kabbinale for spot inspection.

Srimati faces charges for her alleged involvement in the murder of Sadashiva Gowda and has a history of over 15 cases against her in various police stations. Originally imprisoned in Kerala, she was brought to Karkala under heavy security measures.

The victim, Kabbinale Sadashiva Gowda, was abducted by Naxalites while gathering firewood in the thick forest of Tengumaaru in Nadpalu village on November 19, 2011. He was subjected to torture on Shantabolari hill before being fatally attacked by the Naxalite group.

Srimati, also known as Unnimaya, had disappeared from K Masige village under Begaar gram panchayat of Shringeri in 2007. Later investigations revealed her involvement in Naxal activities, including the destruction of the Tanikodu forest department checkpost in 2009 and engaging in a fire-fight with police during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Srimati's arrest occurred on November 7, 2023, when Kerala police engaged in a gunfight with a Naxalite gang during a dinner gathering in a house under the jurisdiction of the Masantawadi police station. While two Naxalites managed to flee, Srimati and Naxal leader Chandra alias Tiruvendigam were apprehended.

Following the spot inspection, Srimati was presented in court in Karkala, where she vocally expressed support for Maoism upon exiting the police vehicle. Chikkamagalur police then arrived to transfer Srimati for questioning regarding Naxalite activities in their forest area. However, after undergoing a health check-up, Srimati was ultimately returned to Kerala.