Bengaluru, March 1 (NationPress) A formal complaint has been lodged with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot concerning Mankal S. Vaidya, the Minister of Fisheries, Ports, and Inland Water Transport, due to accusations of encroaching on forest land.

The complaint was initiated by RTI activists Shankar Naik, Nagendra Naik, and Nagesh Naik from Bhatkal town, situated in Karwar district. A similar grievance has been directed towards the Chief Conservator of Forests. Furthermore, a legal petition has been submitted to seek appropriate action.

As per the allegations, the minister is said to have encroached upon forest land within the Byluru Forest area in Bhatkal taluk for the establishment of his medical education institute.

The complaint alleges that the encroachment took place on May 18, 2024. Despite the lodging of a complaint, forest authorities reportedly excluded Minister Vaidya's name from the case, instead implicating others.

The complainants have charged Minister Vaidya with leveraging his political influence to avoid repercussions. This incident is perceived as a significant challenge for the Congress government just prior to the budget session set to begin on March 3.

Previously, Mankal Vaidya had incited controversy with his declaration to authorize authorities to shoot cow smugglers publicly.

While addressing a meeting at the Karwar Zilla Panchayat, Minister Vaidya discussed a series of cow thefts occurring in the area.

He stated, “I have given clear instructions to the Superintendent of Police that this must stop under all circumstances. This is an injustice. We worship cows and care for them with great love. We grow up drinking their milk, and even today, we consume it.”

He further asserted, “I have directly instructed the Police Department to take strict action without any hesitation or external influence. I have ensured the arrest of those involved.”

Minister Vaidya issued a warning: “If the situation worsens and such incidents continue, I will not concern myself with the reasons. If I make this statement, it may be seen as extreme, but I will ensure that those involved are made to stand in the circle and shot at. If any further incidents occur, I will have them shot at in public.”

The Karnataka Congress has attempted to downplay Minister Mankal Vaidya's controversial remarks regarding shooting cow smugglers.