The Upalokayukta has registered a suo motu case in connection with the death of a 10-year-old boy in a leopard attack in Nagamale forests in Malai Mahadeshwara Hills region of Chamarajanagar district and initiated a probe against Forest Department officials.

Upalokayukta K.N. Phaneendra, who has ordered the registration of a case based on newspaper reports, has also directed issue of notices to Assistant Conservator of Forests, M.M. Hills Wildlife Division, Sandeep Kumar, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Cauvery Wildlife Division, Mariswamy, Deputy Range Forest Officer, M.M. Hills Wildlife Division and Vageesh, Range Forest Officer, Cauvery Wildlife Division by treating them as respondents in the case.

Harshit Gowda, the victim, was proceeding on foot to Nagamale in M.M. Hills region, along with his family, earlier this month when a leopard attack left him dead. His mother Pavithra had alleged negligence by the Forest Department officials and blamed them for his son’s death. The Upalokayukta has also referred to Ms. Pavithra’s statement that they would not have gone to Nagamale had the officials and the staff informed them about the presence of wild animals and leopards en route.

The Upalokayukta has also referred to the allegations of serious nature that no facilities were extended to the devotees even though a fee of ₹200 each was collected from them. The devotees, who are travelling by foot through the forest coming under the jurisdiction of M.M. Hills Wildlife Division, were not provided any facilities like safety measures, drinking water arrangements, information boards, secure fencing and deployment of forest staff for security.

Taking serious note of the recurrence of leopard attack cases in the area, three in the recent past that had claimed two lives, the Upalokayukta cited Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which provides individual right to life and personal liberty. The right provided in this manner is not merely about surviving independently, but also about leading a quality life with safety, security, and a healthy environment. It is the responsibility of the authorities concerned to maintain such a healthy and safe environment and to provide the necessary amenities related to it, the Upalokyukta observed.

The Forest Department officials named as respondents have been directed to immediately take all necessary steps to address the lapses as reported in the newspapers and submit their views and an action-taken report within four weeks.

The Upalokayukta has directed that notices and summons be issued to the respondents, asking them to appear in person on the next date of hearing, which has been fixed for June 17.