RAIN BACKLASH; ELEPHANT TRAMPLING, PROTEST

An estate writer, Dhanpal was trampled to death by a tusker inside an estate at Thithimathi, yesterday.

Dhanpal, who was walking inside the estate was chased by the intruder for half a kilometer, before the death. Taking him by its tusk, he was beaten on the ground and trampled.

People gathered at the spot yesterday and staged a protest. The forest officials were taken to task. Today a large number of people gathered before the hospital and demanded the presence of the forest officials. They refused to remove the body after the autopsy and demanded assurance to catch the pachyderm which is creating ruckus in south kodagu. Tahasildar, DFO and DYsP rushed to the spot and assured the public to chase the elephant. People complained about the other herds which are creating tension in other parts also.

Rainfall in the district is comparatively less since yesterday. However, falling of trees and houses are continuing due to wetness.

GRADUATE JUMPS TO DEATH

A BA graduate, Kavitha, 24 committed suicide yesterday by jumping into a lake at Sangayyanapura at near Somwarpet.

Acording to police the girl jumped to death as her attempts to find a job continuously failed.

TEAKWOOD TREES VANISH

About four teakwood trees worth more than six lakhs were cut and smuggled from Attur forest range by Sunrise, yesterday.

Miscreants who cut the tree tied one Tekkada Ganesh to a tree and covered his eyes till the operation was over by Sunrise. People living around Attur forest area complain that the trees were being smuggled with the full knowledge of forest officials. Mr.Ganesh, who was a direct eye witness to the crime said that the officials did not register any complaint from him. In a similar action, three such trees were smuggled out fifteen days ago and the forest officials did not take any action even after receiving the complaint. MLA Mr.Jeevijaya has urged immediate action and DFO is visiting the spot today for inspection.

SPIRIT, ARRACK SEIZED

Virajpet police yesterday seized a lorry and recovered nine thousand packets of arrack sachets and spirit being smuggled to Kerala, illegally. Police said that two persons are arrested in this regard.