Complaint lodged against Belthangady MLA for ‘abusing’ forest officials

Mangalore Today News Network

Puttur, Oct 18, 2023: The Puttur Taluk State Government Employees Association has lodged a complaint with the Puttur Sub-Divisional Assistant Commissioner Girish Nandan against Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja accusing the latter of abusing the staff of the Uppinangady Forest Range when they tried to clear an encroachment in a forest area in Kalenja reserve forest area.

 

A man named Lolaksha Gowda had laid foundation for constructing a building in the reserve forest area at Amminadka this month. On coming to know about this the Uppinangady Range Forest Officer Jayaprakash KK and staff had visited the place when the MLA reportedly abused them and even obstructed them from doing their duty. He has also been accused of telephoning the officers and mounting pressure on them.

The complaint has also said that the MLA has levelled false allegation against the forest staff in front of the public.