In a recent development, Vikram Simha, the brother of BJP MP Pratap Simha, finds himself entangled in legal troubles. Arrested for alleged involvement in the illegal felling of over 120 trees and smuggling wood, Vikram Simha faces accusations in a village located in Karnataka’s Hassan district.
The arrest follows revelations that Vikram Simha, reportedly involved in unauthorized tree cutting, orchestrated the removal of 126 substantial trees, some dating back 50 to 60 years. Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre affirmed the arrest, emphasizing the severity of the act and citing violations of Forest Conservation Act and Tree Conservation Act.
Vikram Simha’s arrest comes on the heels of controversy surrounding BJP MP Pratap Simha’s connection to the Parliament security breach incident on December 13. Notably, a visitor pass implicated in the security breach was issued in the name of Pratap Simha.
While facing these allegations, Vikram Simha vehemently denied any involvement, labeling the charges as politically motivated. He asserted that the land in question was contracted for agricultural purposes, specifically to grow ginger.
An FIR has been filed by the state forest department against Vikram Simha for the illegal felling of trees without proper authorization and for smuggling wood. The forested area, where the trees were removed, was government-owned gomala land allocated to two individuals, spanning 12 acres.
The incident came to light during a field visit by revenue official Mamata to the Nandagondanahalli village. Upon discovering the unauthorized operation, Mamata promptly alerted authorities, leading to the initiation of an FIR.
