Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (MM/GA)

Beltangady, Apr 18: It is alleged that a forest officer along with his sub-ordinates forcibly entered a media office and threatened the staff with life on Tuesday April 17 morning.

Beltangady range forest officer Manohar Suvarna along with his 10 sub-ordinates barged into the office of local newspaper 'Suddi Bidugade and abused the manager and staff using foul language.

Suddi Bidugade had carried news about timber theft from Nada village and alleged that it had taken place right under the nose of Manohar Suvarna, the range forest officer.  It has also alleged that it was owing to inefficiency of the department in general and Manohar Suvarna in particular that timber theft had become a routine in the area.

Enraged by this Manohar forcibly entered the office with his staff and threatened the staff of Suddi Bidugade.  He is also said to have threatened them that he would take action against them under Wildlife Act and put them behind the bars.

Beltangady taluk journalists' association has condemned the attack.  An emergency meeting of the association was convened on Tuesday April 17 evening to discuss about the future strategies and actions to be taken in this regard.