The Agumbe RainForest research station is researching King Cobras. | Photo Credit: File Photos
Shivamogga
A team of officials of the Ministry of Forest on Tuesday visited the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station (ARR) research station in Tirthahalli to investigate the alleged illegal photographs of King Cobras and the unlawful purchase of land.
Minister of Forest Eshwar Khandre ordered the main main conservator of the forest to carry out the probe into alleged illegal activities in the ARR, conducted by King Cobras.
Dinesh Kallahahali, a social worker of Canacapury in the district of Bengaluru South (formerly Ramanagar), complained to the Minister who claimed ARM’s illegal activities in Agumbe. He argued that the research station had purchased the land in the sensitive Sanctua Someshware Wildlife Sanctuary zone and carried out tourists to visit, photography and videoography of King Cobras and violated the 1972 Nature Protection Act.
After the complaints, the Minister ordered the probe.
When the Hindu contacted Sivaram Baba, a representative of the Kudremukh Wildlife Division, Karkala, said a team of officers led by Siddapura ACF was created.
The team visited ARR and gathered details on Tuesday. “There are complaints about illegal photography and land purchase. Our officers will explore and submit a message. We will take further steps based on the report,” he said.
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Published – 2 September 2025 17:23 is
