Mysuru: The Forest Officials have shot a villager when he attempted to steal sandalwood at a forest in Rani Gate of Periyapatna Taluk of the District on Wednesday December 1.
The injured has been identified as Basava, a native of Rani Gate Haadi (colony).
Nagarahole Tiger Reserve Deputy Conservator of Forests Mahesh Kumar said that Basava along with two other residents of Haadi attempted to steal sandalwood. The Forest Watcher Subramani found the three in Reserve Forest. Soon the three tried to flee from the scene is when Subramani shot at them.
He said, Basava who has been injured on the knee has been shifted to KR Hospital, Mysuru for treatment. He said that the three forest officials were also injured in the clash and sandalwood has been recovered from spot, he added.
A case has been registered at Bylakuppe Police Station in this regard. Cine actor and activist Chetan on Thursday December 2 visited Deputy
Commissioner’s Officer, and has urged action against the forest officials. He said that Basava did not try to steal sandalwood but it is an atrocity on tribals. He urged for thorough probe into the incident and alleged that police did not accept complaint filed by Basava’s wife against Forest Officers.
