Saragur: A Forest Department staff, who had gone to the backwaters of Nugu Dam for a swim, was drowned on Tuesday afternoon. The deceased is Karthik (27), son of B.K. Kumar, a resident of Kirujaje village in Hunsur taluk, who was serving as a driver at the Elephant Task Force in Puradakatte Camp, coming under Saragur Forest Range limits.

About three days ago, Karthik, along with other Forest staff, had gone to the backwaters campus near Puradakatte Circle to drive away wild elephants.

After driving the elephants back to the forest, Karthik reportedly entered the water for a swim and was drowned.

Forest officials and staff, who rushed to the spot, shifted the body of Karthik to Saragur Government Hospital.

Meanwhile, members of a farmers’ organisation, who gathered in front of the hospital, demanded adequate compensation to the family of deceased Karthik and also demanded the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) to come to the spot.

DCF Seema, who arrived at the spot, assured that the driver’s job will be given to deceased Karthik’s brother.

Later, post-mortem was conducted by Dr. Parthasarathy at Saragur Primary Health Centre (PHC) and the body was handed over to the family members. 

Saragur Police have registered a case in this regard.

Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Abhishek, Range Forest Officers (RFOs) Hanumanth and Anitha Raj, Somanna, Arun Kumar, Munisidda Nayaka, Mallikarjun and Sangamesh from the Fire and Emergency Services Department, farmer leaders Mahadevanayaka, Channanayaka, Mahalinga, Siddaraju, Ganesh and others were present.