Daijiworld Media Network – Kadaba

Kadaba, Feb 26: Allegations of a brutal assault by forest officials have surfaced after a youth was summoned to the range forest office for questioning. The victim, who was reportedly assaulted while providing a statement, has been admitted to the Puttur government hospital.

The youth has been identified as Jeevan (27), son of Monappa Gowda and a resident of Konde Mane in Aithoor village. A case regarding the illegal poaching of a wild buffalo in the Aithoor forest had been registered against Jeevan and another individual, Jain Varkey (50). Both were out on bail and had visited the Subramanya range forest office on Wednesday to record their statements.

It is alleged that the officials sent Jain Varkey outside and proceeded to brutally assault Jeevan inside the office. Following the incident, the officials reportedly brought Jeevan to the Kadaba Community Health Centre for a medical check-up.

As news of the alleged assault spread, a large number of local residents gathered at the hospital premises and staged a protest, expressing their outrage against the forest officials. The locals have demanded immediate action against Subramanya range forest officer Vimal Babu and staff members Prakash and Adarsh for their alleged involvement in the assault.

Jeevan, who sustained injuries, was later shifted to the government hospital in Puttur for further treatment. The local community has called for a fair investigation into the conduct of the forest department personnel involved in the case.