Bengaluru-bound couple objected to elephant photography inside Tiger Reserve

Mysuru: A couple from Kodagu travelling to Bengaluru in their car was allegedly assaulted by unidentified persons near Anechowkur Gate inside the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve on the Mysuru-Kodagu border on Sept. 13.

According to a Police complaint filed by the couple in Bengaluru yesterday, the assailants followed their car, intercepted them, assaulted them and snatched a mobile phone before throwing it into the forest. The couple then proceeded to Bengaluru as they were unable to contact the Police due to poor network connectivity in the area.

The couple was travelling from Gonikoppa towards Bengaluru when they noticed a Maruti Suzuki Baleno (KA-09-KK-3305) parked about 100 metres from Anechowkur Gate. The occupants of the car were reportedly photographing a wild elephant in the forest.

Concerned about the danger posed by stopping near the forest to photograph the elephant, the couple questioned the occupants about what they alleged was reckless behaviour that could endanger other motorists. They then continued their journey.

However, the same group allegedly followed the couple and intercepted their car a short distance ahead. The occupants allegedly assaulted the couple and took away one of their mobile phones before throwing it into the forest and fleeing.

The couple reportedly tried to contact the Police emergency number 112 using another phone but could not do so because of poor network coverage. They subsequently continued to Bengaluru and lodged a complaint.

The identity and other details of the couple or the assailants were not available.

Gonikoppa Police Inspector confirmed that the assault had been reported and said, the spot where the incident occurred was about 100 metres outside the jurisdiction of the Gonikoppa Police Station. He said that the Periyapatna Police Inspector had been informed about the incident.

The Periyapatna Police Inspector, when contacted, said, he would have to verify the complaint and check the details of the incident.

The incident has once again raised concerns over vehicles stopping along the forest stretch, particularly at night, to photograph wildlife.

Commuters and residents alleged that vehicles from Kerala, Mysuru and Bengaluru frequently stop near the forest to photograph wild animals and that some occupants consume alcohol while doing so.

They also alleged that despite the deployment of Forest Department personnel for patrolling, inadequate enforcement has allowed such behaviour to continue.