Mysuru/Bengaluru: Forest minister Eshwar B Khandre on Tuesday ordered an inquiry into the alleged exploitation of king cobras for commercial purposes in Agumbe, Shivamogga district.The minister directed the PCCF to task a chief conservator of forests level officer with the probe and submit a detailed report within 10 days. He also directed an investigation into the alleged negligence on the part of officials concerned, if any, and recommended suitable actions against the erring staff.In his note, the minister referred to email complaints from Jana Sangrama Parishat, Shivamogga district, president Akhilesh Chipli, and Dinesh Kallahalli, a social activist from Kanakapura taluk.The minister stated that the complainants claimed that permission for research is granted only for a specific period, but at Agumbe, king cobras are filmed in the name of research throughout the year.He also asked PCCF (wildlife) to probe the charges that Agumbe Rainforest Research Station (ARRS), located in Agumbe, Shivamogga, has illegally acquired land in the Someshwara sanctuary near Agumbe.A representative of ARRS in Shivamogga did not respond to calls. TOI reported the alleged unlawful activities in Agumbe on Aug 31.
