Scandal in the Forest: Official Caught in Bribery Controversy

A forest official, Veerabhadra Nayak, was caught on video demanding a bribe from a farmer in Kanathi village after crop damage from wild elephants. The official allegedly promised inflated damage reports for compensation in exchange for money, sparking public outrage and demands for action.

A serious controversy has emerged involving a Deputy Range Forest Officer in Kanathi village, Chikkamagaluru, caught on video allegedly soliciting a bribe from a distressed farmer. Veerabhadra Nayak reportedly asked for money in exchange for inflating a crop damage report following a wild elephant attack.

The video, widely shared on social media, reveals the officer seeking 'money for expenses' while assessing the farmer's destroyed areca nut trees. The incident, now under public scrutiny, highlights issues of corruption and ethical conduct within the Forest Department's compensation process.

Amid public outrage, netizens have demanded strict action against the officer. Sources linked to the Forest Minister, Eshwar Khandre, confirmed the video's authenticity. The case raises questions about transparency in handling crop damage assessments, urging calls for swift government intervention.

(With inputs from agencies.)