RAICHUR: Maski Congress MLA Basanagouda Turvihal’s son and brother, who are in the eye of a storm after hunting rabbits during a temple fair, had also hunted wild boars, it has now been revealed. The Forest Department has registered a case under the Wildlife Protection Act and taken up investigation.
The MLA’s son Satish Gouda and brother Siddanagouda were captured on camera posing with their spoils from hunting during the Shankaralingeshwara temple fail at Turvihal village in Sindhanur taluk. The boars were hung on sticks and taken in procession along with weapons and it is alleged that the duo hunted the animals in the presence of police personnel.
After Public TV reported about the incident, Forest officials registered a case against Satish Gouda, Siddanagouda, Durgesh and others. Following registration of the case, a court directed investigation and Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Govindaraju is leading the investigation.
Meanwhile, Ballari zone IGP Lokesh Kumar said the police will assist the Forest Department in the probe. “We got information about the incident on Tuesday and I have informed the SP to extend all support to the Forest Department who have registered a case under the Wildlife Protection Act. In the videos, some people can also be seen holding sharp weapons, but the Forest Department will investigate the case”.
Meanwhile, there is rising public anger as the MLA’s son and brother have not been arrested yet. Citizens are questioning how laws can be applied separately for commoners and elected representatives.
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