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Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)

Mangaluru, Aug 24: The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has alleged that around 20 valuable trees were illegally felled and transported from a green belt and wetland area at Madhavanagar in the Surathkal Assembly constituency, causing an estimated loss of nearly Rs 6 lac.

Addressing a press conference, KPCC spokesperson Madoor Gopalakrishna Hegde alleged that the trees were cut down without obtaining the necessary permission from the Forest Department or the Mangaluru Mahanagara Palike (MCC).

According to Congress, the affected area had several valuable species, including jackfruit, wild jackfruit and teak trees. The party alleged that the trees were cut and removed using machinery before residents brought the matter to the authorities' attention.

Hegde said Congress had collected photographs and video footage of the incident and claimed that the visuals showed the presence of former BJP corporator and State BJP Mahila Morcha General Secretary Shweta Poojary, BJP Mandal president Pushparaj, MCC junior engineer Yathish and a contractor associated with the machinery used at the site.

However, Hegde clarified that the individuals were being named based on the evidence collected and that their guilt had not been established.

The Congress leader also questioned local BJP MLA Bharat Shetty, demanding that he explain the alleged presence of BJP functionaries and a civic official at the site during the tree-felling operation.

Hegde further alleged that Congress had submitted complaints to the Mangaluru Mahanagara Palike and the Police Commissioner's office. He criticised the response of the Range Forest Officer, claiming that the officer had asked Congress to provide evidence before action could be initiated.

"We have brought the evidence before the public and demanded an impartial investigation," Hegde said.

The Congress demanded that the State Government, senior administrative officials and the Forest Department conduct an immediate investigation, register a criminal case and initiate strict legal action against everyone found responsible for the alleged unauthorised felling and removal of the trees.

Congress leaders also urged the authorities to verify the video and CCTV footage, identify all those involved and recover any illegally transported timber.