Forest Minister Accused of Trespassing: Karnataka Land Dispute Heats Up

Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy accused Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre of trespassing on HMT land amid a film shoot controversy. Khandre conducted site inspections and called for disciplinary actions related to deforestation. Kumaraswamy plans to address the issue and highlights ongoing land encroachment concerns in Karnataka.

Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy has accused Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre of illegally trespassing on land owned by HMT, a public sector entity under the Ministry of Heavy Industries. The accusation comes as tensions rise over a film shooting incident that involved the felling of trees on disputed forest land.

Forestry Minister Khandre reportedly instructed officials to take disciplinary measures against those responsible for the unauthorized tree cutting. He made a site visit as part of his investigation into the incident, which is linked to the Kannada film 'Toxic,' currently in production.

Kumaraswamy expressed his intention to address these concerns publicly, while also highlighting broader issues of land encroachment throughout Karnataka, including a case in Kolar district. He questioned the different standards applied by authorities in dealing with land disputes involving influential figures versus the common man.

(With inputs from agencies.)