Bacterial infection kills 31 blackbucks at zoo in Karnataka, Minister orders probe
Belagavi (PTI): Thirty-one blackbucks have died at a zoo here in just four days due to a bacterial infection, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre said on Monday.
The devastating toll, which reduced Kittur Rani Chennamma Zoo's blackbuck population to seven, has prompted a high-level investigation from the government.
According to sources at the zoo, eight antelopes died on Thursday, followed by 20 more deaths on Saturday.
Three more blackbucks died at the facility in the last two days.
Minister Khandre reached Belagavi and held a meeting with the zoo officials.
Later speaking to reporters, Khandre expressed "deep pain" over the deaths and ordered an inquiry to determine the source and spread of the disease among the animals.
“Prima facie, it is found that these blackbucks died due to bacterial infection. Our officers and veterinary doctors are giving treatment to them,” he said.
The Minister said all precautionary measures are being taken to ensure that the disease does not spread to other zoos.
“I have ordered a high-level probe to find out how this disease spread among blackbucks. We have sent experts from Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bengaluru. Our officials are in touch with experts in this field,” Khandre said.
Noting that he has given directions to save the remaining blackbucks, he said he has ordered that such incidents should not occur in future.
Comparing the outbreak of bacterial infection among blackbucks to COVID-19, the Minister said no one can predict such occurrences.
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Belagavi youth’s murder case projected as road accident, cracked in Uttara Kannada; Three arrested
Karwar: Uttara Kannada police have cracked a murder case in which a Belagavi youth was killed and his body burnt inside a car to make it appear like a road accident.
Addressing a press meet in the city, Superintendent of Police Deepan M.N. said three accused from Old Hubballi have been arrested in connection with the case. The crime was a pre-planned act driven by personal enmity, he said.
The case came to light on April 8 morning when a car (KA-04/MJ-8996) was found completely burnt in a roadside ditch near Talekumbri bus stand in Yellapur. Only charred human remains were found inside the vehicle. Initially, it was suspected to be an accident caused by overspeeding, and a case was registered at Yellapur police station based on a complaint filed by the deceased’s father, Jagannath Dhapale.
However, the father later expressed suspicion that his son’s death was not accidental, prompting a detailed investigation.
Taking the matter seriously, two special teams were formed under the leadership of Yellapur Inspector Ramesh Hanapur. On analysing technical evidence and CCTV footage, police found that it was a planned murder.
The accused have been identified as Abdul Raheem Basheer Ahmed Mujawar (32), Maulasab Bavahan Wada (36) and Dadapeer alias Aftab Mehboob Saab Balasangi (22), all chicken traders from Old Hubballi.
Police have seized the car used in the crime along with two scooters. The accused have been remanded to judicial custody.
Investigations revealed that the accused killed Nitesh Dhapale due to personal enmity and later set the car on fire along with the body to project it as an accident.
SP Deepan M.N. appreciated the efforts of Inspector Ramesh Hanapur, PSIs Rajashekhar Vandali and Siddappa Gudi, and the entire team for solving the complex case.
