Chamrajnagar,/Bengaluru: Tensions flared in Gundlupet taluk of Chamarajanagar district after angry farmers, fed up with the tiger and leopard menace, locked forest officials inside a trap cage meant for capturing wild animals. What began as an outburst of frustration has now escalated into controversy, with the forest department filing an FIR against five farmers.
Wildlife Attacks Spark Anger
Farmers living on the fringes of the forest allege that big cats regularly prey on their cattle, destroying their livelihoods. Despite repeated complaints, they claim the forest department failed to capture the tigers and leopards, merely placing trap cages in agricultural fields without effective results.
When no solution came, frustrated farmers allegedly pushed officials themselves into the trap for half an hour, demanding accountability.
Department’s Response and FIR
Following the incident, Bandipur Chief Conservator of Forests (CF) directed strict action, leading to the registration of an FIR against five farmers at Gundlupet Police Station. The move has further enraged the farming community, which sees the step as suppression instead of support.
Farmers Warn of Protest
Outraged farmers have demanded the withdrawal of cases, warning of intensified protests if the FIR is not cancelled immediately. “When farmers question officials about our losses, cases are slapped against us instead of giving justice. Is this fair?” asked local leaders.
They also condemned the meagre compensation of ₹751 for banana crop losses, calling it an insult. “Instead of understanding farmers’ pain, the department has chosen to book cases. This is sheer injustice,” they said.
Ground Reality
Villagers allege that while their cattle and crops are being destroyed by wild animals, officials show apathy towards farmers’ suffering. The episode reflects a growing rift between farmers and the forest department in Chamarajanagar, where man-animal conflict continues to rise.
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