The Karnataka Lokayukta police have registered a suo motu case against forest department officials in connection with the death of a boy in a leopard attack. The incident has raised serious questions about the safety measures implemented by the forest department, particularly at the Nagamale area where devotees are charged a fee of Rs 200 per person.
Allegations of Negligence
According to sources, the forest department has been collecting Rs 200 from each devotee visiting Nagamale, but allegedly failed to take necessary precautions to prevent wild animal attacks. The boy was mauled by a leopard recently, leading to public outrage and demands for accountability.
Legal Action Initiated
The Lokayukta police, known for probing corruption and negligence in public offices, have taken up the case on their own motion. This means no formal complaint was required to initiate the investigation. The case targets unnamed forest officials who were responsible for ensuring safety in the area.
Officials stated that the suo motu action was based on media reports and preliminary inquiries that pointed to a lack of adequate fencing, warning signs, or patrols in the vicinity. The forest department has not yet issued an official response to the allegations.
The incident has sparked a broader debate on human-wildlife conflict management in Karnataka, especially in areas frequented by pilgrims and tourists. Activists have called for stricter enforcement of safety protocols and compensation for the victim's family.
The investigation will focus on whether the fees collected were utilized for safety measures and why standard operating procedures were not followed. The Lokayukta is expected to summon relevant officials for questioning in the coming days.
