Karnataka Forest minister directs officials to initiate measures to check human-animal conflict
Bengaluru (PTI): In view of the recurring tiger attacks in Chamarajanagar and Mysuru districts, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre on Wednesday directed officials to install cameras along forest fringes and alert local residents in advance about tiger movement through round-the-clock monitoring.
Chairing a meeting on human-animal conflict here, Khandre said that farmers working in their fields and plantations are being attacked by wild animals.
A statement issued by the minister's office said, Khandre instructed that cameras be installed near human settlements and farmlands to issue timely warnings and prevent loss of lives and crops.
The minister called for both short-term and long-term solutions, including thermal surveillance and intensified patrolling.
He further ordered that the most conflict-prone villages around Bandipur and Nagarahole forests be identified, and forest watch camps established every five to six km, involving local youth for monitoring.
Khandre directed that rescue teams with elephants be rushed immediately whenever a tiger attacks livestock.
Injured or aged tigers should be captured and treated appropriately, he said.
He also instructed the appointment of senior officers as nodal officials to camp in conflict zones and resolve issues on the ground.
The minister announced the formation of an expert committee to study the ecological carrying capacity of wildlife habitats and the causes for animals straying into human areas. Based on the committee's report, suitable action would be taken, he said.
Khandre also highlighted the spread of invasive weeds such as Lantana and Senna, which have reduced fodder availability for herbivores, forcing elephants out of forests.
He directed that these weeds be scientifically removed, and that best practices from other states be studied and adopted.
Khandre's direction came following four people killed within a span of a month in Mysuru district in tiger attack, two deaths in tusker attack.
Also, two tigers and their three cubs were poisoned to death in Chamarajanagar after they preyed on cattle.
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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.
