Bengaluru, Nov 3 (NationPress) The government of Karnataka has initiated an investigation into the tragic incident involving the electrocution deaths of two elephants in the Belagavi district. The order was issued by Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre. In connection with this incident, the landowner, Ganapati Sateri Gurav, has been taken into custody.

Initial inquiries indicate that the accused, Ganapati, had set up an electric fence around his agricultural property.

Authorities also suspect that he may have directly linked the fence to his household power supply.

“A male and a female elephant lost their lives due to electrocution. The landowner, Ganapati, is now in judicial custody, while his son, Shivaji Gurav, remains at large,” reported N.D. Kranthi, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) in Belagavi.

“The Forest Minister has requested comprehensive details about the incident. We will provide a report following an exhaustive investigation,” added DCF Kranthi.

In his directive, Minister Khandre expressed, “It is deeply saddening that two elephants have perished due to electrocution in Sulegaali village near Khanapur, Belagavi district. Despite the elephants having been in the vicinity for several days, it seems their deaths may be attributed to the negligence of forest officials who failed to implement necessary preventive measures.”

“A thorough investigation is mandated to ascertain the facts surrounding this incident, and legal action should be pursued against those responsible for the electric connection to the fence. Should any negligence be identified among forest officials, a report must be submitted within five days, along with recommendations for disciplinary measures,” noted Minister Khandre.

This unfortunate incident occurred on November 2.

Previously, on October 27, family members of a deceased farmer were involved in a protest against Minister Khandre in Mysuru, expressing their frustration over the authorities' inability to prevent man-animal conflicts that led to the farmer's death.

In response to the community's concerns, Minister Khandre assured that “We are aware of the situation. Disciplinary actions will be taken against officials found to be at fault, including those from the forest department.”