Minister Eshwar Khandre orders capturing of three elephants in Belur after woman's death
Bengaluru, Mar 15 (PTI): In response to escalating human-elephant conflicts in Bikkodu, Arehalli, and surrounding areas of Belur taluk of Karnataka, Minister Eshwar B Khandre ordered on Saturday to capture the three aggressive elephants terrorising locals.
The Forest, Ecology, and Environment minister directed the establishment of an immediate Elephant Task Force (ETF) office in the area and the deployment of a Deputy Conservator of Forests-rank officer to oversee operations.
He held an emergency meeting with forest officials at Vikas Soudha, following the death of a woman in an elephant attack at a plantation on March 14. Khandre instructed authorities to procure two thermal camera-equipped drones for the Hassan range to monitor elephant movements round-the-clock and alert residents promptly.
Given the severity of elephant-related issues, Khandre mandated the deployment of two additional jeeps and more staff for emergency response teams. He emphasised swift action upon receiving alerts about elephant movements.
In a press release issued by the minister's office, he also ordered awareness campaigns for Belur residents, and plantation workers to mitigate risks. These will focus on elephant behaviour, precautionary measures during encounters, and safety protocols for dawn and dusk movements, added the release.
Plantation owners must collaborate in organising village-level public meetings to educate communities, said the minister.
Khandre stressed timely monthly salaries, food allowances, uniforms, shoes, jackets, and insurance for ETF and outsourced staff. He also called for providing walkie-talkies in areas with poor mobile connectivity to ensure seamless communication.
Additional Chief Secretary Anjum Parvez, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Meenakshi Negi, Chief Wildlife Conservator Subhash Malkhade, and other senior officials participated in the review.
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Mangaluru: Bajpe police arrests young man for alleged derogatory posts against police
Bajpe: Police have arrested a youth for allegedly posting derogatory and defamatory content against the Bajpe police on social media.
The arrested accused has been identified as Abhishek M. (23), a resident of Katipalla, Surathkal.
According to the police, Abhishek posted a photograph of Bajpe Nisarga Hotel on his Instagram account mr_a_titude_22, alleging that accused persons in a murder case under the jurisdiction of the Bajpe police station were being treated “like royalty” by the police and were being served beef meals from the hotel every day. In his post, he further accused the police of colluding with criminals and misusing their authority, stating that public trust in the police was being betrayed.
Following which, the Bajpe police registered a case and arrested the accused.
Police records reveal that Abhishek is already facing multiple criminal cases. A case of murder, attempt to murder, assault and robbery has been registered against him at the Surathkal police station. At the same time, a robbery case has also been registered at the Kaup police station.
After his arrest, Abhishek was handed over to the custody of the CEN police for further investigation. He was later produced before a court, police said.
