Shivamogga, March 28 (NationPress) The tragic demise of a young veterinarian in Karnataka's Shivamogga has taken a dramatic turn as her family alleges a deeper conspiracy surrounding the incident, pointing to significant lapses at the Tyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari facility.

Reports indicate that her WhatsApp messages, revealing serious deficiencies in the safari's basic facilities and animal care, have been uncovered.

Sameeksha Reddy, aged 27, lost her life after a hippopotamus attacked her at the Tyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari in Shivamogga on March 20.

The incident has raised serious concerns, with her family expressing their outrage.

Rajasekhar, Sameeksha's uncle, has made alarming accusations, suggesting that there is a broader conspiracy linked to her death.

He questioned the decision to send a jeep into the enclosure without proper authorization and sought to know who possessed the key to the hippopotamus enclosure gate.

Additionally, he accused officials of negligence, asserting that the circumstances surrounding the event remain shrouded in unanswered questions.

Rajasekhar criticized the behavior of certain staff members, claiming they exhibited insensitivity in the wake of this tragedy.

He mentioned that Sameeksha had previously expressed concerns regarding the safari's conditions, particularly about animal feeding practices.

Moreover, he stated that she had reached out to senior officials via email to highlight these issues.

He also pointed out that the driver, Karthik, who had taken Sameeksha into the jeep on the day of the incident, is currently untraceable and has not been presented to authorities.

According to Rajasekhar, the driver may possess vital information regarding the events that transpired.

Allegations of broader mismanagement have surfaced, with claims of inadequate drinking water and significant stress experienced by Sameeksha due to her working conditions.

He urged the state government to take stringent action against the officials responsible, holding them accountable for the tragic incident.

Sources indicate that the WhatsApp messages reveal Sameeksha's concerns about insufficient supplies, failures in animal health management, and safety protocols.

She reportedly communicated her need for necessary provisions and improvements at the Tyavarekoppa facility.

On March 21, Naveen, another uncle of Sameeksha Reddy, accused officials of negligence and called for strict action.

He stated that a vehicle was arranged to transport Sameeksha to the safari, with the hostel warden assigning two girls to accompany her.

A guard subsequently escorted her into the enclosure to examine the hippopotamus.

Naveen questioned this decision, asserting that authorities should have exercised fundamental caution when dealing with a dangerous wild animal.

He emphasized that even predators like lions tend to avoid hippopotamuses and criticized officials for allowing a trainee to approach the animal closely.

Furthermore, Naveen noted that the hippopotamus was expected to give birth within a week, which would have placed it in a highly sensitive and defensive state, heightening the risk of an unexpected attack.

In memory of Sameeksha, he stated that her death represents a profound loss.

Naveen described Sameeksha as a compassionate and dedicated student who was deeply committed to animal welfare.

Despite having opportunities for a comfortable life, she prioritized service over commercial pursuits.

He recalled that Sameeksha had a lifelong passion for helping animals, often collaborating with veterinary doctors in Bengaluru to address issues concerning stray animals.

Although she was encouraged to pursue further studies abroad, she chose to remain in India to contribute meaningfully.

"She was exceptionally compassionate towards animals. I've never encountered anyone quite like her," Naveen Reddy remarked.

State Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment, Eshwar Khandre, described the incident as "unfortunate" and has initiated a high-level investigation.