Compensation delayed; villagers stage stir in Hassan

Authorities cite submission of improper medical records

A labourer H R Keerthi Kumar, resident of Sakleshpur taluk was attacked by a wild elephant on April 30 last year.

Malenadu Janapara Horata Samiti president Kishore Kumar said, Keerthi Kumar and his friend were returning home from Bisile when they suddenly came face to face with a stray elephant.

Both started running away from the place but the elephant attacked Keerthi Kumar with its tusks injuring him seriously. He suffered multiple fracture on his right thigh in the incident.

Though seven months have passed he has not received any compensation amount, he added.

Keerthi Kumar, who was working as a labourer is the lone bread winner of the house and has to take care of his aged mother. But he is not in a position to walk currently and has been dependent on the people of the village for the past several months.

He has spent more than Rs 2.5 lakh for the medical expenses and though they have appealed to the authorities concerned and submitted memorandum, there is no response.

The file of Keerthi Kumar has been sent to conservator of forest. The authorities have not sanctioned the compensation stating that Keerthi has not submitted proper medical records.

Ministers and officials who met him had assured of speedy disbursal of compensation, but nothing has happened so far. The agitators demanded that along with medical expenses the compensation amount has to be increased. Keerthi Kumar also participated in the protest.