The new year celebrations at Dodda Byranakuppe forest guest house in Nagarahole National Park  turned violent.

Fifteen people, all friends of Range Forest Officer Basavaraju, consumed liquor, burst crackers and later attacked the forest department staff on the new year eve.

Around 7.30 pm, Basavaraju and his friends began their party, which was also attended by some government officials. At the stroke of midnight, some of them started bursting crackers.

When the forest department staff objected to it, a war of words ensued between the two groups, following which some of them allegedly attacked a forest department employee.

At this juncture, villagers reached the spot and put an end to the party.

They also tried to get in touch with the higher officials but in vain.

Orders violated
Despite an order from Principal Chief Conservator Forests (Wildlife) banning consumption of alcohol in the forest guest houses and not to allow new year celebrations, the party had been arranged.

Though Hunsur DCF (Wildlife) A K Singh too had passed this order, it was ignored.

The guest house is located right behind Kabini backwaters and wild animals come here to drink water.

Villagers are upset because crackers were burst right in front of officers. The Wildlife Protection Act 1972 has been violated by bursting crackers in the national park.