Mysuru, Oct 27 (NationPress) Family members and local residents surrounded Karnataka Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Eshwar Khandre in Mysuru on Monday as he visited the mortuary to express his condolences for the death of a farmer who lost his life in a tiger attack. The family and villagers voiced their frustration, questioning the minister about the authorities' negligence that contributed to this tragic event.

The victim, 54-year-old Rajashekara, was fatally attacked by a tiger on Sunday while tending to cattle near Mulluru village in Saragur taluk of Mysuru district. Villagers claimed that although forest officials monitored the tiger's movements, they failed to set up a cage, leading to the farmer's demise.

This incident marks the second tiger attack resulting in a farmer's death in Mysuru district within a span of 15 days. Anger boiled over among villagers who were upset that Minister Khandre, who was nearby attending another event, did not come to the scene or meet the victim's family on Sunday.

Shivananda, the son of the deceased Rajashekara, expressed disappointment: “Minister Khandre was only 12 kilometers away at an event. We called him, but he did not respond. The attack occurred at 11 am, yet police and forest officials only arrived at 4 pm. They took the body to Mysuru without informing us, which seemed unnecessary.”

Farmer activists accused the authorities of failing to adequately address the ongoing tiger attacks and indicated that they might pursue legal action against officials. “This is the second fatality in merely 15 days, and it’s unfortunate that Minister Khandre did not show support to the victim’s family despite being close by,” they voiced.

In response to the public outcry, Minister Khandre stated, “We have been informed about the incident. Disciplinary measures will be enacted against officials responsible for any negligence, including those in the forest department.”

When questioned about his absence at the scene despite his proximity, the minister clarified, “I only learned of the incident post-event when I was preparing to leave for another location. Local MLA Anil Chikkamadu informed me that he would visit the site, which he did. I assured the victim's family over the phone that I would come later.”

“This is a tragic event. The government stands firmly with the bereaved family and denounces this incident. Such occurrences must not happen again. I have convened a meeting in Bandipur to thoroughly discuss preventive measures for the future,” he added.

Addressing the broader issue, he noted, “The victim was attacked by a tiger while grazing cattle in the forest. Man-animal conflict is not a new phenomenon; it has existed for centuries. We need to establish an environment conducive to coexistence between humans and wildlife. Over the years, forest areas have been encroached upon, leading to an increase in wild animal populations.”

“The family will receive compensation, and I will strive to secure additional financial support for them. We will also take action against illegal resorts operating within forest territories,” Khandre concluded.

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