Minister Eshwar Khandre calls on family of sharpshooter who was killed by elephant

HASSAN: Forest and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre on Wednesday visited the house of sharpshooter H H Venkatesh at Honnavalli in Alur taluk and expressed condolences to the family. Venkatesh was killed last week by a wild elephant during an operation to tranquilise it.

The minister met Venkatesh’s wife Manjula and the sons Mithun and Mohit. He was accompanied by Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Mohankumar and other taluk officials. Venkatesh’s wife told the minister that they had not availed any benefits from the government as he was hired on contract till he retired, and sought government jobs for her sons.

Eshwar Khandre speaking to the media after visiting Venkatesh’s family.

Khandre handed over a cheque for Rs 15 lakh to the family towards compensation and assured support from the Forest Department and the government. Later, speaking to the media, he said the man-animal conflict has continued for long and noted that the incidents are increasing. “We are looking into all the factors, but we cannot say it can be tackled immediately. We will consult experts and find solutions in stages”, he said.

On the death of Venkatesh, he said complaints have been received about laxity in the operation. “He had done great work for the department and his services cannot be forgotten. His death is not only a loss to the Forest Department, but to the entire state. He had even won the CM’s award and worked in other parts of the country too. Through our foundation and the Forest Department, another Rs 10 lakh will be given to the family and one person will be given a job”, he added.