Bengaluru, May 11: R. Ashok, the leader of the opposition in the Karnataka Assembly and a senior BJP leader, has accused the Congress-led state government of failing to ensure the safety of devotees visiting the Male Mahadeshwara (MM) Hills temple. This accusation follows a series of leopard attacks in the area.
Ashok pointed out that there have been three leopard attacks within a short span, resulting in the deaths of two devotees. He questioned, “Is this not an administrative failure? Is this not gross negligence on the part of the government?”
The senior BJP leader criticized the state government for collecting millions in donations under the temple’s name while showing minimal concern for the safety of the devotees. He described it as extremely unfortunate and condemnable that a government, which gathers substantial funds in the name of the temple, neglects the safety of its visitors.
He highlighted that the government charges hundreds of rupees as entry fees from every vehicle but has failed to provide adequate safety measures for pilgrims visiting the temple.
Questioning the role of the district in-charge minister and the Male Mahadeshwara Swami Area Development Authority, Ashok asked, “What are the district in-charge minister and the development authority doing? Has revenue collection become more important than the lives of the devotees?”
He alleged that despite the rising incidents of wildlife attacks, officials have not implemented sufficient safety measures, wildlife control mechanisms, or emergency medical facilities. He expressed that there is a complete lack of concern for public safety.
Ashok urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the district in-charge minister of Chamarajanagar to recognize the seriousness of the situation and to implement immediate, permanent, and stringent measures to ensure the safety of devotees visiting the temple.
In January, a young man from Mandya was attacked by a leopard and dragged away. Shortly after, another leopard attempted to attack a different boy. Recently, a boy in a group of pilgrims heading towards Nagamale was attacked by a leopard, which dragged him into the forest and killed him.
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