‘Karnataka Naxal-free with last surrender on February 1’

CHIKKAMAGALURU: The surrender of a Naxalite before Karnataka Police in Chikkamagaluru district on Friday marks a significant step towards the state becoming free of red trouble. So far, 21 Naxals have surrendered in Karnataka. "With this surrender, Karnataka is now Naxal-free," claimed SP Vikram Amathe.

Kotehonda Ravindra, 44, who spent 18 years in the movement, was involved in activities in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu and had been underground since 2007. A total of 27 cases are registered against him, 13 of them in Chikkamagaluru.

"Ravindra is classified as an 'A' category Naxal as per the new surrender policy that came into effect on March 14, 2024. Under the surrender package, he will receive Rs 7.5 lakhs from the govt. If he wants, he will be provided skill training and will be given a monthly package of Rs 5,000," Amathe said. However, legal proceedings against him will continue.