Karna: Naxal killed in encounter, search op on

The Naxalite killed in an encounter with police in Karnataka carried a reward of Rs 3 lakh on his head, it was revealed on Tuesday, as combing operations against the Ultras continued in the state.

Making a statement in the assembly, Home Minister V S Acharya said two other Naxalites who escaped after exchange of fire with the police on Monday, included a woman who also carried a reward of Rs 3 lakh for those who gave information leading to her arrest.

He said the Naxalites opened fire on a team of anti-Naxal force, assisted by the local police, who were looking out for them in Ajekar in Udupi district following information about their movement.

The exchange of fire lasted 15 minutes.

A police constable was injured in the encounter, but is out of danger.

He said the killed Naxalite has been identified as Vasantha alias Ananda from Belthangady taluk, Acharya said.

One SLR gun along with two magazines was recovered from the encounter site. "Combing operation against naxalites is continuing", he said.

Acharya said thanks to the "special efforts" of the government in the last one-and-half-years, the administration had gained considerable control over the situation on the naxal front and the government of India had pulled out Karnataka from the list of states hit by Naxals.