Forest staff seize red gram crop of suspected tiger killer

Atmakur: The Forest department officials have seized red gram raised in eight acres by Vemula Nageswara Rao, an alleged accused in the killing of tiger following suspicion that he had hidden the animal nails, bones and skin in his field at Siddapuram village.

They registered a case and expedited the investigation, which has been going on for the last five days.

Byrluti Forest Ranger Shankaraiah was absent at the ‘panchanama’ conducted by FSO Obulesu in the field of Rao in the presence of the VRO and the panchayat secretary. They shifted the red gram bags worth Rs 5 lakh in lorries. Rao’s wife Lakshmidevi found fault with the department for the seizure. She plans to approach the judicial court for securing relief.

The Junior Foresters’ Association has objected to the absence of Shankaraiah and deputing junior colleagues for the panchanama, describing it as an attempt to shirk his responsibility. His colleagues had waited for eight hours, as regulations stipulate that Ranger should be present at such official work.

Finally, they conducted the seizure. The confiscation of red gram crop showed progress in the investigation. However, the lower-level Forest officials are unhappy that they might have to face suspension because of Shankaraiah’s alleged ‘unilateral’ decisions.