Mangaluru : Gopalakrishna Gowda, a landlord from Belthangady, who has been reported to be at large following an attack on farm labourer, Sundara Malekudiya on July 26.is likely to be book under Goonda Act 1985. Dakshina Kannada police are trying to invoke provisions of the Karnataka Prevention of Dangerous Activities of Bootleggers, Drug Offenders, Gamblers, Goonda Act 1985, popularly known as the ’Goonda Act’, against Gopala Gowda.

Additional Superintendent of Police Vincent Shantakumar said seeing the past cases allegedly involving Gowda, it merits invocation the Goonda Act. A decision will be taken ASP Shantakumar said.this at a meeting of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes on Aug 6.

Gopala Gowda using a weed cutting machine to attack Sundara Malekudiya in which he lost, his two fingers on the right hand. His severed elbow of the left hand had to be operated upon. The activist said Gowda was involved in assault cases earlier too, and has to be booked under the Goonda Act which is non- bailable. The activist said there was every possibility of him getting anticipatory bail and continuing with his “tyranny” in the area.

ASP Shantakumar said they had discussed the issue with Dalita Hakkugala Horata Samiti president Shekar Laila and there is all likeliness of Gooda act being invoked, particularly, when some one is seen to have been involved in such act in more than one case.

There is judicial process that needs to be followed..Also efforts were on to trace the whereabouts of Gowda, he added. Earlier, talking to media after visiting Malekudiya at the Government Wenlock Hosptial, stated , DK DC Adoor .B. Ibrahim adding there are stipulated procedures that should be followed before invoking such provisions. Gowda would be traced soon, said Superintendent of Police Sharanappa S.D.by following legal process to catch him.