Daijiworld Media Network - Hebri (JD)

Hebri, Nov 22: Following the encounter in which Naxal leader Vikram Gowda was killed, the police, as part of their ongoing investigation, detained Jayant Gowda, the landowner of the site where the incident occurred. This led to a protest by the community and local residents, who gathered at the Hebri police station on Friday to express their outrage.

On November 17, the encounter took place on a property in Peethambailu, Nadpalu village owned by Jayant Gowda. On Friday, November 22 morning, Hebri police visited the site and brought Jayant Gowda to the police station for questioning. This action sparked anger among the locals, led by Sridhar Gowda, the state leader of the Malekudiya Association, who questioned the necessity of detaining an innocent person.

"Why was Jayant Gowda taken to the station instead of questioning him at the site? He is innocent," Sridhar Gowda demanded. The protesters insisted that Jayant Gowda be released immediately, stating they would not leave the premises until their demand was met.

After collecting information relevant to the investigation, the police released Jayant Gowda later in the day.

Key leaders present during the protest included Gangadhar Gowda, a prominent member of the Malekudiya Association, Nadpalu gram panchayat president Naveen Kumar, Hebri gram panchayat president Taranath Bangera, and village leader Vijay Shetty, among others.