OFFICIALS IN LOOTING SPREE;

Madikeri November 13, 2006

Heavy smuggling activity is going on in Rajiv Gandhi national Park by the forest officials, according to Nittur Gram panchayath president.

Addressing a public meeting, president Somaiah explained that the forest officials are ruthlessly smuggling sandal wood and other valuable trees to Kerala. They are also indulging in hunting. He said that a tribe Dasa was being used by the officials to cut trees. He recalled that Dasa had openly admitted having given the root part of two sandal wood trees to the officials last year. A false case was booked against Dasa as he disclosed the secret in public, last year.

Since public are not allowed to enter the forest area, officials are erasing the proof of smuggling by burning the roots of the removed trees and destroying the remains of wild life. He stated that the official vehicles are used for smuggling the booty out.

Pamphlets are being printed and circulated in South Kodagu against the atrocity of officials. Tribes living inside the forest are also being harassed by the officials, if they oppose their crime, the pamphlet with no name says.

The GP president Somaiah has cautioned the officials that people may revolt against them and higher officials should immediately investigate the matter.

THREE ARRESTED FOR FAKE PASSPORT TRANSACTION;

Virajpet police have registered a case against six persons and arrested three in connection with a fake passport case.

Ravindra from Kasargod, Ramachandra, an employee of Kakotu Parambu co operative bank and agent Liakath Ali are taken to custody and case is also registered against Chief officer of Town panchayath, Srinivas, Fair price shop owner Bose and GP secretary Muthappa.

Police stated that the above accused created false records to get passport to Ravindra, a resident of Kasargod. He was shown as born and brought up in Kodagu. A ration card was also created in his name.

Accused are sent to judicial custody.