A forest department official has allegedly threatened to take legal action against a Coimbatore-based activist for giving an interview in connection with the preparations for the mission ‘Madukkarai Maharaj’.

The entire media has been giving wide coverage for the mission to capture and tame the wild elephant that has been wrecking havoc in Madukkarai for the last one year. They have also been quoting nature lovers and environmentalists’ opinions on the operation and the possible outcomes. One such opinion by an environmentalist that was shown on a television channel has provoked a forest official.

The environmentalist was seen standing near kumki elephants that have been deployed in the operation.
The official had allegedly called the environmentalist, S. Chandrasekhar of Vanam Trust of India and threatened to take action against him for giving interview in the forest area.

In an audio leak that is being circulated in Whatsapp, the officer is heard telling that members of NGOs do not have any right to speak on issues relating to the functioning of forest department, especially standing near the kumki.

“This is not the first time that we are getting such threats. I will submit a petition seeking seeking security. I will hold the officer responsible if something happens to me,” he told Covai Post. Many other activists have also condemned the officer’s action.