Chamarajanagara: The Forest Department honors late IFS Officer P. Srinivas by constructing a museum for him at Male Mahadeshwara Hills wild life sanctuary office.
Perhaps for the first time, the government is honouring a sincere officer by showcasing the vehicle, belongings, cloths, and photos of an officer to commemorate him as a tribute.
Srinivas was born on September 12, 1954, in Rajahmundry, East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh and joined IFS in 1979. He was working as Deputy Conservator of Forests in Chamarajanagara and also Assistant Commander of STF formed to nab brigand Veerappan.
Srinivas was staying in Gopinatham and even constructed Mariyamma Temple to gain confidence of the villagers. His aim was to persuade the forest brigand Veerappan to surrender. But his aim went futile when brigand Veerappan invited him to forest and beheaded him on November 10, 1991 under the pretext of surrendering.
Speaking to NewsKarnataka, MM Hills wild life sanctuary DCF V. Yedukondalu said that the jeep which was used by slain officer was repaired by spending Rs. 1.1 lakh. The first floor of the forest guest house was also named after him. He said the museum has been opened on first floor and has various photographs of officer, his cloths and other belongings. He said for his honesty, dedication and courage, Srinivas was posthumously awarded the second-highest peacetime gallantry award, the Kirti Chakra, on January 26 1992. In honour of the officer, a temple has also been constructed at the place where he was slained by Veerappan, he said.
Srinivas, a true Gandhian constructed houses for poor at Gopinatham, the native village of Veerappan. The officer was revered by every villager who have his photo in their houses and even offer first pooja at Mariamma Temple to the officer. The officer is a clear example of people’s love and respect towards government officer who performed duty, honestly.
