Mandya: Mandya Superintendent of Police (SP) Dr. Ashwini has landed in controversy for felling 11 Ashoka trees grown in the premises of her official residence, without seeking permission from the Forest Department. The Forest Department officials have registered a case in this regard.

Meanwhile, Forest officer Sridhar said that it is true that 11 trees have been axed and an investigation into this has begun. Permission from the Forest Department has to be taken before felling trees and if permission is not obtained a notice will be issued, he added. 

An explanation has to be given as to why the trees had to be felled, failing which an FIR would be registered, Sridhar said.

Meanwhile, SP Dr. Ashwini, who has issued a clarification, has stated that branches of a few trees grown inside the compound of the official residence were touching the overhead power lines and as it was rainy season, these trees could cause damage to the compound. 

Letters were submitted to RPI, DAR, CESC and the Forest Department and the trees have been pruned, she added.

Yesterday evening, the Forest Department staff visited the SP residence and has seized the felled trees.