Naxal Scare in Tumakuru as ₹5 Lakh Demand Letter Surfaces

BENGALURU, Sept 11: A purported Naxal letter demanding ₹5 lakh has triggered fresh security concerns in Karnataka after the document was found on agricultural land at Gangasagara village in Pavagada taluk of Tumakuru district.

The Telugu-language letter, allegedly issued in the name of “Comrade Devanna Dalam” of the People’s War Janashakti Party, was found on the agricultural land of Kuntla Bhushappa. The letter reportedly threatens serious consequences if its contents are brought to the notice of the police.

According to the purported letter, Naxals were allegedly intervening over claims of harassment and a political conspiracy involving Uppara Venkatesh. It also reportedly sought ₹5 lakh towards legal expenses.

The Pavagada police have launched an investigation to ascertain the authenticity of the letter, identify those responsible for it and determine whether it has any links to an organised Naxal network.

The development comes after Karnataka had earlier declared itself free of Naxal activity following the surrender of several cadres. Investigators are now examining whether the letter is an isolated attempt to create fear or signals any effort to revive extremist activity in the region.

Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara said the matter had come to his notice and that he would personally review the situation during his visit to Tumakuru.

“I am going to Tumakuru today. I will call the SP and other officials and discuss the matter to understand what has happened. If there is any such development, we will put more force,” he said.

Dr. Parameshwara said the State’s anti-Naxal security mechanism had not been completely dismantled despite earlier steps to neutralise Naxal activity. He added that the existing force could be redeployed to Tumakuru if the investigation establishes a genuine threat.

“If there is anything like that, we will move the force to Tumakuru district,” he said.

Security agencies have been put on alert as the investigation continues to verify the contents of the letter, establish the identity of the purported group and determine whether any individuals or organisations are attempting to revive Naxal networks in the area.