Chikamagaluru: The body of Shivamogga native Ravi was found in the toilet of the Forest Department’s elephant retreat camp. Villagers accuse the staff of murder.
However, a Forest Department official denied this and said that the man had died of a heart attack. The villagers alleged that the man died after being assaulted by the Forest Department staff.
The body was found in the toilet of Kallolakote elephant camp under Sakharayapattana Police Station limits in Kadur Taluk of the District. According to Forest Department officials, the two tried to steal sandalwood on the night of Wednesday October 19 and were taken into custody. It is learnt that Ravi died of a heart attack when he went to the toilet.
The villagers alleged that Ravi and two others, had gone to the forest to cut bamboo, but they were assaulted by the Forest Department personnel. The villagers alleged that the body was kept in the toilet of the camp after he was assaulted in the department’s quarters.
As soon as the matter came to light, the villagers gathered in front of the Forest Department and had an argument with the staff. Sakharayapattana Police arrived and difused the situation. A case has been registered in this regard and an investigation is underway.
