Though teak wood worth lakhs of rupees has been stolen near Kotegudda in the taluk, the Forest Department has kept mum, villagers complained. 

During the last monsoon season, over 10 teak trees were cut and illegally transported. However, the Forest Department has not investigated any of the cases. 

The stubs and remains of the cut trees can be found in the Kotegudde forest, which is just a stone’s throw away from the department.

Taluk Panchayat President B S Satish had brought the issue to the notice of the Forest Department and personally taken the forest officer to the spot.

Deputy Conservator of Forest B P Ravi has taken the issue seriously and has directed the forest officials to investigate into the illegal felling of trees. Moreover, forest guard has been strengthened in Kotegudde surroundings.

The Forest Department has been in deep slumber even when the forest was being looted and the public hoped that it will awaken atleast now.