Shadow of Naxals resurfaces in Udupi

UDUPI: The body of Sadashiva Gowda, 45, who was allegedly kidnapped by naxalites on December 20, was found in a decomposed state in the deep forests of Nadpalu in Karkala taluk. The body was found in a sitting posture under a tree, with both the hands tied to the front. A placard with the message “Police Mahithidararige Takka Shasthi Madiddeve” (we have taught the police informers a lesson) was placed under the tree. ANF Inspector General Alok Kumar confirmed to media that Gowda’s relatives had identified the body. Udupi SP Ravi Kumar, who was also present, said further details could be obtained only after investigation. Gowda’s younger brother Raju and his relatives found it difficult to identify his body, as it was totally decomposed.Sadashiva Gowda, a resident of Thingalamakki in Nadpalu village, was last spotted in Mavinakatte, purchasing grocery items from a petty shop. Gowda was unmarried and used to venture deep inside forests for days together and collect forest produce and sell them in nearby towns upon return. Prior to shifting to Nadpalu he was residing in Gundi near Hebri town.A mediaperson in Kundapura reportedly received a phone call from one Vishwa who claimed to be a naxalite, who said that Gowda was taught a lesson for being a police and media informer. Except for that phone call, there was no other formal claim from the naxalites or members of the CPI (Maoist). Following the rumour that Gowda had been kidnapped by the Anti-Naxalite Force, the police had intensified combing operations in the forests of Nadpalu, Mutlupadi, Kabbinale, Edu, Nooralbettu, Naravi, Shirlalu and other areas. Udupi SP had ruled out the kidnap of Gowda by naxalites saying there was no demand for a ransom or any other demand from them. Udupi’s Brush With NaxalsNaxalites had killed Bhoja Shetty, a teacher and his relative Rajesh Shetty in Nadpalu on May 15, 2008. They had killed one Keshava Yadiyala, a landlord and BJP leader, on December 7, 2008. In 2009, a gram panchayat candidate and another forest personnel had been kidnapped by naxalites.