Case against forest dept officials for not compensating victim

Social worker Meriyanda Sanketh Poovaiah said that he will file a case against the forest department officials who have neglected the plight of a labourer who is suffering from physical disability after a wild elephant attack.

Shekhar, who was working as a labourer, at a coffee plantation belonging to BBTC near Siddapura, was attacked by a wild elephant, while he was working in the plantation, 11 months ago. The pachyderm lifted him with its trunk and threw him.

After the incident, Shekhar is physically challenged. His family is struggling hard to make ends meet.

The office-bearers of District Tamil Sangha brought the issue to the notice of Sanketh Poovaiah.

Sanketh visited the house of Shekhar and interacted with his family members. Shekhar’s family members said that he is confined to home owing to his disability and the officials have turned a blind eye.

With the help of Advocate Narendranath Kamath, Sanketh Poovaiah took measures to file a case in Virajpet court, against the forest officials. Also, an assistance of Rs 15,000 was handed over to the family of Shekhar.

Sanketh Poovaiah said that he will bear the expenses to be incurred towards the court charges.

Speaking later, Sanketh Poovaiah said that the forest department officials have failed to provide the minimum assistance to the labourer Shekhar, who is permanently disabled due to the elephant attack.

He further said that measures have been taken to file a case in the Supreme Court to check human-elephant conflict in the district.

“There is a curfew-like situation in the district owing to wild elephant attacks. More than 55 people have lost their lives during the last five years due to elephant attacks in the district. Also, hundreds of people have been injured and are suffering from permanent disability,” he said.

But, the governments which have ruled the state over the years, have not been responding to the problems. The forest department is ignoring the plight of the injured labourers by not providing them compensation, he added.

District Tamil Yuva Okkoota president Ravi, secretary Mohan Raj, treasurer Suresh and director Kumar Nelyahudikere were present.