Daijiworld Media Network 

Bengaluru, March 1: A formal complaint has been submitted to Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, accusing the Minister of Fisheries, Ports, and Inland Water Transport, Mankal S. Vaidya, of illegally encroaching on forest land in the Byluru Forest area of Bhatkal taluk, Karwar district.

The complaint was lodged by RTI activists Shankar Naik, Nagendra Naik, and Nagesh Naik, all from Bhatkal. The trio has also filed a similar complaint with the Chief Conservator of Forests, while a petition has been submitted in court seeking action over the alleged encroachment.

According to the complaint, Minister Vaidya is accused of encroaching upon forest land on May 18, 2024, to establish a medical education institute. The activists claim that despite the registration of a complaint by the forest authorities, Vaidya’s name was conspicuously omitted from the investigation, with charges only being filed against others involved in the case.

The complainants have alleged that Vaidya used his political influence to evade legal action. This comes at a time of heightened political sensitivity, as the state prepares for the budget session of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, which is set to begin on March 3. The timing of the complaint is likely to add pressure on the Congress-led state government.

Minister Vaidya has also previously courted controversy due to his remarks about cow smugglers. Speaking at a meeting of the Karwar Zilla Panchayat, Vaidya discussed a series of cow theft incidents in the region, declaring, "I have given clear instructions to the Superintendent of Police that this must stop under all circumstances. This is an injustice. We worship cows and care for them with great love. We grow up drinking their milk, and even today, we consume it."

The Minister went on to state, "I have directly instructed the Police Department to take strict action without any hesitation or external influence. I have ensured the arrest of those involved."

In a stark warning, he said, "If the situation worsens and such incidents continue, I will not concern myself with the reasons. If I make this statement, it may be seen as extreme, but I will ensure that those involved are made to stand in the circle and shot at. If any further incidents occur, I will have them shot at in public."

Following his remarks, Karnataka Congress officials played down Vaidya's "shooting cow smugglers" statement, but the comment sparked outrage from various quarters.

This latest issue surrounding Minister Vaidya’s alleged land encroachment and his controversial statements continues to attract attention, putting the Congress government in the state under scrutiny as it heads into the budget session.