103 Tourists Detained for Illegal Trek in Protected Western Ghats Forest

103 Tourists Detained for Illegal Trek in Protected Western Ghats Forest

Mangalore Today News Network

Chikkamagaluru, July 26, 2025: In a major crackdown on unauthorised trekking, police on Saturday detained 103 tourists for allegedly entering the prohibited Bidirutala forest area in the Charmadi Ghats of Mudigere taluk without permission.

Based on specific intelligence, teams from Banakal and Balur police stations, led by PSIs Renuka and Dilip Kumar, conducted a surprise raid and took the group into custody deep inside the forest, which is part of the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats.

Police said the tourists, many of whom are employees of leading IT companies in Bengaluru, had ventured into the forest without obtaining clearance from the Forest Department. Two tourist buses and two pickup vehicles used by the group were seized during the operation.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a local individual had acted as a guide and facilitated the illegal entry. Authorities are now probing the role of the organiser.

“Entering a protected forest area without prior permission is a punishable offence under the Forest Act,” a police official said.

Legal proceedings have been initiated against the tourists. Officials reiterated that unauthorised trekking in protected areas poses a serious threat to the environment and will not be tolerated.