Siddarth Sethia
A senior government veterinary officer was allegedly assaulted and his official vehicle obstructed by a group of villagers during a leopard rescue operation at Thimmasandra village in Hebbur hobli of Tumakuru district on October 22.
The Hebbur police have registered a case against 10 to 15 unidentified persons for allegedly assaulting the officer, threatening officials and obstructing public servants from discharging their duties.
According to the complaint filed by Dr.Prayag H.S., Assistant Director of Veterinary Medical Services at Bannerghatta Biological Park,he had been deputed by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) to supervise the health and handling of three elephants participating in the Tumakuru Dasara festival.
On the morning of October 22,Range Forest Officer Basavaraju informed him that a leopard had entered a private coconut grove belonging to a farmer,Ashwath,at Thimmasandra village.Dr.Prayag was asked to reach the spot to assist in the possible chemical immobilisation of the animal.
He rushed to the location along with Assistant Conservator of Forests Pavithra V.,other forest personnel and volunteers from the Wildlife Aware Rescue NGO.
Officials also coordinated with the police to manage a gathering of more than 50 villagers.
According to the FIR,the situation turned tense around 8.47 am when a group of 10 to 15 people allegedly demanded that the leopard be captured immediately.
Despite warnings from ACF Pavithra,Koratagere Chief Veterinary Officer Dr.Shreedhar Reddy and police personnel about the risks involved in provoking the trapped animal,the group allegedly threatened the officials and shouted,“Catch the leopard right now,or else we will strip your clothes off!”
Amid the commotion,the leopard descended from the coconut tree and escaped into the surrounding area.
Angered by the animal’s escape,some members of the crowd allegedly surrounded Dr.Prayag, pushed him and struck him on the back with their hands.They also abused him verbally,the complaint stated.
When the veterinarian attempted to leave the spot in an official departmental vehicle to seek medical attention, the group allegedly blocked the pathway and prevented the vehicle from moving.
Following the incident,Dr.Prayag lodged a complaint at the Hebbur police station.The police registered a case under Sections 126(2),115(2), 221,132,352,189(2) and 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).Further investigation is underway.
