Mysuru: A photo of three individuals consuming alcohol in the core area of Bandipur Tiger Reserve recently went viral on social media, leading to disciplinary action. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) suspended Puneet Kumar, the Range Forest Officer (RFO) of Maddur range, on charges of dereliction of duty pending a departmental inquiry.
Incident Details
According to a release from the office of the principal chief conservator of forests (head of forest force), the incident occurred on June 5. Three individuals illegally entered a prohibited forest area in the Maddur range of Bandipur Tiger Reserve and consumed alcohol, as documented in the viral social media post.
Investigation and Report
The Assistant Forest Conservator of Gundlupet sub-division submitted a comprehensive report to the Chief Wildlife Warden of Karnataka. The report included a mahazar copy, site photographs, and a related Wildlife Offence Report (WLOR). It was observed that the RFO of Maddur range failed to record the names of the suspects identified in the photographs, which is a clear violation of established rules.
Suspects and Legal Action
A case has been registered against three accused individuals: Mahadevprasad (38) from Hangala village in Gundlupete taluk, Gangadhar (50) from Gundlupet town, and Chetan (33) from Kaggala village. The accused are currently absconding, and authorities have taken measures to trace and detain them, the release stated.
This incident underscores the importance of strict adherence to forest protection protocols and the consequences of negligence in safeguarding wildlife reserves.
