Goats may be released in forests to prevent leopard attacks on humans: Maharashtra minister
Nagpur (PTI): Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik on Tuesday said he had suggested forest officials that goats be released in large numbers in forests to stop leopards from entering human settlements in search of prey.
He was responding to a calling attention motion raised by NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad in the Maharashtra legislative assembly regarding the alarming increase in leopard attacks in the state.
"If four people are killed in leopard attacks, the state must pay Rs 1 crore (as compensation). So I told officials, instead of paying compensation after deaths, release goats worth Rs 1 crore into the forest so leopards do not venture into human habitats," the minister said.
The behaviour and living patterns of leopards have changed, he said, adding, "Earlier, they were described as forest animals, but now their habitat has shifted to sugarcane fields.
Ahilyanagar, Pune and Nashik districts were reporting the highest number of leopard-related incidents, the minister said.
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BJP MLA caught by Lokayukta while accepting Rs 5 lakh bribe
Gadag (Karnataka) (PTI): Lokayukta police on Saturday said they caught BJP MLA Chandru Lamani allegedly accepting a Rs 5 lakh bribe.
The trap was laid by the Gadag Lokayukta police based on a complaint filed by a contractor.
“Today, a successful trap was laid by the Gadag Lokayukta police station. The accused public servant was caught while accepting Rs 5 lakh,” officials said, adding case has been registered under Section 7(a) read with 7(A) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
The complainant, Vijay Pujar, is a Class-I contractor from Chinchali in this district.
Lokayukta officials said the alleged bribe demand was linked to works under the Minor Irrigation Department, including the construction of retaining walls along a road.
“The accused had demanded Rs 11 lakh from the complainant to execute the work. During the trap, Rs 5 lakh was accepted,” officials said.
Along with the MLA, who represents the Shirahatti Assembly constituency, his personal assistants — Manjunath Valmiki and Guru Naik — have also been secured in connection with the case.
“Accused 1, 2 and 3 have been secured, and the investigation is in progress,” the Lokayukta said in a statement.
Reacting to the incident, in a sarcastic remark, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said, “BJP leaders are very honest. They are corruption-free in this country. The Lokayukta might have received some wrong information.”
He added, “Let us see what the Lokayukta says. I will react after that.”
Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, said he was not aware of the details and that his party does not tolerate bribery, adding that he would comment after gathering full information, while state BJP president B Y Vijayendra said he “would respond after ascertaining the facts.”
Meanwhile, supporters of Lamani condemned the Lokayukta action, alleging that the Congress government was behind the “conspiracy”.
They also raised slogans against the Congress government.
