Encroachment charge against Cong MP: Report submitted in HC

Bangalore, Jun 25 (PTI) Karnataka Forest department today submitted a report in the state high court in connection with alleged encroachment of about 20 acres of reserved forest land in Bellary District by Congress MP and mining baron Anil Lad and his brother. The report was submitted by Bellary District Assistant Conservator of Forests Venkatesh as per the high court's December last year directive to the state government, including the Forest Department, to provide details. The court gave the directive on a PIL petition. The petition is being heard by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Vikramajit Sen and Justice A S Bopanna. K N Somashekar, an RTI activist, had filed the PIL alleging that Ashok Lad in connivance with his brother Anil Lad had established a luxurious resort adjacent to the backwaters of Narihalla Dam by encroaching reserved forest land. The petitioner charged that no action had been initiated by the government to protect its natural resources and also environment.