On Monday, October 27, 2025, Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre encountered furious farmers in Mysuru. Their anger stemmed from the recent death of a local in Saragur, who was killed by a tiger.
The victim, 53-year-old Rajashekar, tragically lost his life to a tiger near Mulluru village, adjacent to the Nugu wildlife sanctuary, on October 26. This incident closely followed another attack just ten days prior in the same Saragur area, where another farmer was severely injured and is now fighting for his life in a Mysuru hospital. These repeated attacks have deeply unsettled the local community.
Upon arriving at K.R. Hospital to pay his respects, Minister Khandre was met by protesting farmers. They surrounded him, openly accusing forest department staff of negligence and demanding a lasting solution to the ongoing human-animal conflicts that plague their region.
In response, Mr. Khandre assured the crowd that if any officials were found to have neglected their duties in trapping or tranquilizing the tiger despite public complaints, strict action would be taken against them.
The Minister Defends His Visit to Mysuru
Farmers also questioned why Rajashekar’s body was moved to Mysuru for a post-mortem when facilities were available in Saragur. Many implied this was an attempt to shield the minister from public outrage. Adding to their frustration, they highlighted that Mr. Khandre, despite being near Saragur on the day of the attack, Sunday, October 26, did not visit the site of the tragedy.
However, Mr. Khandre clarified that he was already in Mysuru when he learned the body had been brought there, prompting his decision to pay respects. He vehemently denied any suggestion that the body was moved to Mysuru for his convenience or protection.
Badagalpura Nagendra, president of KRRS, demanded a compensation of ₹50 lakh for the deceased’s family and insisted that any agricultural loans taken by Rajashekar be waived.
Calls to Curb Tourism Activities
H. Bhagyaraj, president of the Karnataka State Sugarcane Farmers Association, linked the rise in tiger attacks to increased tourism. He strongly urged the minister to curb tourism activities in the area.
“You are encouraging tourism, including safaris, for wealthy city dwellers,” stated Mr. Bhagyaraj, “while it’s the local communities living near the forests who suffer the consequences of habitat disturbance.” He stressed that the government must act to reduce tourism in forest areas to lessen conflict and also highlighted illegal mining in the region, demanding a government crackdown.
In a separate but related development, H.D. Kote MLA Anil Chikkamadu also faced intense criticism. Farmers surrounded him, expressing their profound anger over Rajashekar’s death. The MLA, who had visited the incident site on Sunday, was confronted by a local community terrified for their lives due to the escalating human-animal conflict.