The combing operation launched by the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) and police in the deep forests of Kuthlur and surrounding regions after Naxals torched a vehicle of social worker Ramachandra Bhat entered the second day on Sunday.
IGP (Western Range) Pratap Reddy said the operation will continue until success is achieved.
SP Shantanu Sinha told Express that the police are assisting the ANF in the combing operation.
Asked whether the operation has been launched in other districts too, Sinha refused to give a specific answer.
Bhat has been involved in rehabilitating tribals, Malekudiyas and other forest dwellers volunteering to relocate from the Kudremukh National Park.
Police sources said some families which are unwilling to relocate from the forest assumed that Bhat is working against tribals.
This must be the reason for the Naxal attack.
‘Funds for Naxal-hit Areas Not Misused’
D-K Superintendent of Police Shanthanu Sinha said the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner has clarified that there was no misuse of funds meant for the development of Naxal-affected areas in Belthangady taluk.
He was addressing the monthly grievance meeting of SC/ST communities at his office on Sunday. He said complaints on misuse of funds in Naxal areas were discussed at a meeting held at the DC’s office after it was raised in the SC/ST meeting last month.
“The Deputy Commissioner has said works in these areas are under progress,” he added.
The allegations were made by Kuthloor resident Vittal Malekudiya on misuse of funds meant for development of roads, construction of retainer walls and culverts in three projects worth `5 crore.
Dalit leaders S P Ananda, Vishwanatha Alekkadi, Vishwanatha Bantwal and others were present.