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Bengaluru, Nov 3 (IANS) The Karnataka government on Monday ordered an inquiry into the death of two elephants due to electric shock in Belagavi district. Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Ishwar B. Khandre issued an order in this regard. Meanwhile, land owner Ganpati Sateri Gurav has been arrested by the authorities in connection with the incident.
Preliminary investigation revealed that accused Ganapathy had installed an electric fence around his farm land.
The police also suspect that he had connected the fence directly to the power supply of his house.
“A male and a female elephant have died due to electric shock. The landowner Ganpati has been sent to judicial custody, while his son Shivaji Gurav is absconding,” Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Belagavi Territorial Division, ND Kranthi said on Monday.
DCF Kranti said, “The Forest Minister has sought detailed information regarding the incident. We will submit a report after conducting a thorough investigation.”
Minister Khandre said in his order, “It is unfortunate that two elephants died due to electric shock in Sulegli village near Khanapur in Belagavi district. Though the elephants were roaming in the same area for the last few days, the cause of their death appears to be dereliction of duty by the forest officials and staff who failed to take appropriate preventive measures.”
Minister Khandre said, “It has been directed that the incident be thoroughly investigated and legal action be taken against those responsible for providing electricity connection to the fence. If any negligence is found on the part of forest officials or staff, a report should be submitted within five days with recommendations for disciplinary action.”
The incident happened on Sunday 2 November.
On October 27, family members and villagers surrounded Minister Khandre in Mysuru when he visited a mortuary to condole the death of a farmer killed in a tiger attack. The family and villagers expressed their anger and questioned the minister over the failure of the authorities to prevent man-animal conflict, which led to the tragedy.
Responding to the outrage, Minister Khandre said, “We have received information about the incident. Disciplinary action will be taken against officials responsible for lapse or negligence, including forest department officials.”
–IANS
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