BJP MP Prathap Simha's Brother Arrested for Illegal Tree Felling in Belur

BENGALURU: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament representing the Mysuru-Kodagu parliamentary seat, Prathap Simha’s brother, Vikram Simha (42), who was absconding, was arrested by forest officials in Bengaluru city on Saturday. The arrest is in connection with illegal tree felling by him at Nandagondanahalli in Belur taluk of Hassan. He underwent questioning by forest officials at Aranya Bhavan in Bengaluru city.

Vikram is alleged to have been involved in the illegal felling of about 126 trees, including rosewood, teak, and other valuable trees. Upon learning about the incident, Belur Tasildhar Mamatha alerted the Range Forest Officer for action, leading to the filing of an FIR in the case on December 16.

Regarding Vikram Simha's arrest, Minister for Forests and Environment Eshwar Khandre mentioned that approximately 60-year-old trees were illegally felled. Vikram Simha had reportedly leased three acres and 10 guntas of land for a year from Jayamma on survey number 16 of Nandagondanahalli to cultivate ginger. However, Simha is alleged to have felled several trees not only on the leased land but also on adjoining gomala land in the village.

Belur Tasildhar Mamatha conducted a spot inspection on the land where illegal tree felling occurred and directed forest officials to take action against the responsible individuals. In filing the FIR for the tree felling case, forest officials allegedly omitted Vikram Simha's name, naming Rakesh Shetty as accused number 1 and Jayamma as accused 2.

Minister Eshwar Khandre explained that forest officials found it necessary to question Vikram Simha regarding the tree felling incident, leading to his custody for questioning. Additionally, he stated that five officials, including Hassan Deputy Conservator of Forest Mohan Kumar, have been suspended for alleged inaction in the tree felling case.

After Congress leaders made allegations against him, Vikram Simha had denied involvement in illegal tree felling at Nandagondanahalli in Belur taluk of Hassan. He requested Minister for Forests Eshwar Khandre to send his officials to verify the facts before taking action. However, he remained absconding until his recent arrest.