Illegal power connection kills three-year-old bear in Shivamogga, plantation owner arrested

Shivamogga: A three-year-old bear died after coming into contact with an illegally electrified fence at an arecanut plantation in Yadehalli village of Bhadravati taluk, forest officials said.

The incident occurred at Survey No. 54, where plantation owner Govindappa of Doddasige village had allegedly provided a direct electricity connection to the fence to prevent wild animals from entering the plantation.

The bear reportedly attempted to enter the plantation at night when it came into contact with the live fence and died on the spot.

Following the incident, officials from the Shantisagara forest range arrested Govindappa and produced him before the Bhadravati Third Additional Court. The court remanded him in judicial custody.

Forest officials booked a case against the accused under Sections 9, 39, 50 and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, read with relevant provisions.

The operation was carried out under the guidance of Bhadravati Deputy Conservator of Forests Ravindra and Assistant Conservator of Forests Sridhar Tagginamani. Shantisagara Range Forest Officer Lashkar Naik and his team conducted the investigation and arrested the plantation owner.

Officials said the case highlights the danger posed by illegal electrification of agricultural fences to wildlife.

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