Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod (SP)

Kasargod, Apr 14: Kerala government has issued lookout notices relating to naxals, duly announcing a reward of Rs 50,000 to anyone who informs it of the activities of suspected naxals. The notice, issued through various newspapers, is based on secret information that Maoists are planning to camp at various places within north Kerala districts including Kasargod, and engage in disruptive activities during the election.

Karnataka government has already announced a reward of three lac rupees to people providing information about Jayanna, a suspected naxal.

The ‘Thunderbolt’ commando contingent of Kerala police has been repeatedly conducting raids on tribal colonies located in and near forest regions of north Kerala districts.  Anti Naxal Force of Karnataka has also been involved with operations alongside Kerala border. Reportedly, a naxal gang named ‘Netravati’ has been operating under the leadership of Vikram Gowda in Kerala. Lata Kanyakumari alias Sundari, Jayanna, Ravi alias Kanya Raveendra, Jagadish, Velmurugan, Roopesh and Sinoj are said to be the members of this gang. The last two are from Kerala.

Intelligence reports had earlier warned the state governments about the plan of naxals to play havoc with Lok Sabha election processes. During the April 10 polling, tight police vigil had been arranged at sensitive polling booths. Following the conclusion of polling, policemen have been conducting raids and inspections at various lodges and shops all over the district. The raids are preemptive measures relating to the threat perception from naxals on the occasion of Vishu festival which falls on April 15, and polling scheduled to be held in Karnataka on April 17, it is learnt.