In a startling incident in Chamarajanagar district, a farmer fell victim to a tiger attack, stirring panic in the Honakanahalli village community. The incident, which occurred around 6:30 pm on Friday, left the 22-year-old farmer, Manu, with severe injuries to his neck and hands.

According to reports from the forest department, the tiger, estimated to be around two years old, ventured into the farm, causing a momentary wave of fear among the locals. However, the situation took a dire turn when the tiger confronted Manu as a group of villagers approached. Despite Manu’s attempts to fend off the tiger, it lunged at him, inflicting serious wounds before retreating into the nearby forest.

Following the attack, Manu was rushed to a Mysore hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment. Fortunately, his condition has been reported as stable, and he is deemed to be out of immediate danger.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the precarious coexistence between humans and wildlife, especially in regions where human settlements encroach upon natural habitats. While the forest department is actively monitoring the situation and implementing measures to prevent further encounters, it underscores the importance of adopting strategies for harmonious living with wildlife.

As investigations into the incident continue, local authorities are urging residents to exercise caution and adhere to safety protocols when venturing into areas known to be frequented by wildlife. Additionally, efforts are underway to assess the circumstances leading to the tiger’s intrusion into the village, with the aim of implementing long-term solutions to mitigate such conflicts in the future.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as authorities work towards ensuring the safety and well-being of both the local community and the region’s diverse wildlife population.

Chamarajanagar: Karnataka’s Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, took a pointed jab at the JD(S), led by former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, on Wednesday. He questioned the party’s claim to be secular after forming an electoral alliance with the BJP for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The JD(S) recently made the decision to join forces with the BJP following a meeting between its leader and former Chief Minister, H.D. Kumaraswamy (the son of Deve Gowda), Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP National President J.P. Nadda in New Delhi.

Addressing reporters in Konanakere district, Siddaramaiah remarked, “They have now forged an alliance with the BJP for the elections, so what should we call them? The name suggests ‘secular,’ but are they still secular? Can we believe what they claim? Even after aligning with a communal party, can they still be considered secular? Let them align with the BJP or anyone else; we don’t object to that. But they shouldn’t claim to be secular; that’s all. The Janata Dal should not portray itself as a secular party.”

JD(S) had previously formed governments in coalition with both the BJP and Congress, serving for 20 months from January 2006 and 14 months from May 2018, with Kumaraswamy as the Chief Minister on both occasions.

Earlier in the day, Kumaraswamy criticized Congress leaders for suggesting that Deve Gowda had proven JD(S) to be the “B-team” of the BJP by forming an alliance with them. He argued that had he chosen to align with the BJP, as per the invitation from Shah, instead of with the Congress after the 2018 Assembly polls, he could have governed for a full five years.

Accusing the Congress of undermining secular forces across the country, Kumaraswamy alleged that they even attempted to “eliminate” the JD(S) after forming an alliance with the party. He pointed out that the JD(S) did not expel Siddaramaiah from the party, countering claims that in 2004, Siddaramaiah had attempted to meet with the then BJP leader M. Venkaiah Naidu in Chennai to explore an understanding and form a government.

In response, Siddaramaiah clarified, “I have never met Venkaiah Naidu. It’s true that I met (L.K.) Advani. Advani was formerly part of the Janata Party; that’s how I know him, and I did meet him.”

Chamarajanagar : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to visit the Bandipur National Tiger Reserve in Karnataka on April 9, and the excitement in the air is palpable. The visit is expected to boost tourism in the region, but for security reasons, public access to the national park has been restricted from April 7 onwards.

In addition, all the home stays and resorts in Bandipur have been ordered to close down during the Prime Minister’s visit. The decision has been taken keeping in mind the safety and security of the Prime Minister, as well as the public.

Chamarajanagar District Collector D.S. Ramesh has issued a circular in this regard, stating that the closure is necessary for road maintenance, pre-preparedness, and security. The authorities have left no stone unturned to ensure that the visit goes off smoothly, and the roads leading to Bandipur have been repaired in advance.

Furthermore, the forest department staff are busy repairing the roads and making the safari more convenient at Melukamanahalli, the safari point. All these measures are being taken to ensure that the Prime Minister’s visit is a success and to provide a memorable experience for him.

The Bandipur National Tiger Reserve is home to a variety of wildlife species, including tigers, elephants, leopards, and deer, among others. The park is also home to several species of birds and reptiles. Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of activities, including safaris, trekking, and bird watching.

The Prime Minister’s visit is expected to boost tourism in the region, and the local authorities are gearing up to make the most of the opportunity. The visit is also expected to create a positive impact on the local economy, providing a boost to businesses and creating job opportunities for locals.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister’s visit to Bandipur National Tiger Reserve is a matter of great excitement and anticipation for both the locals and tourists alike. While the closure of home stays and resorts may inconvenience some visitors, the decision has been taken in the interest of public safety and security. With the authorities leaving no stone unturned to make the visit a success, we can look forward to an unforgettable experience at Bandipur.