CCF submits report on Shivamogga zoo vet death

Shivamogga: A week after a veterinarian at the Shivamogga zoo died in an animal attack, the CCF (Shivamogga circle) KT Hanumanthappa submitted his report to the govt.Dr Sameeksha Reddy died at a private hospital in Shivamogga on March 20 after she was attacked by a hippopotamus. When contacted, Hanumanthappa said that he submitted the report on Thursday evening to the minister but declined to disclose its contents.Forest minister Eshwar B Khandre is likely to act based on the CCF report later this week, according to the sources. Sources said that senior forest officials are upset with the Shivamogga zoo administration, holding it responsible for the tragedy.This comes amidst the revelation that there were no CCTVs in the hippo enclosure, which has hampered the police investigation. Shivamogga district police have launched an investigation, starting with eyewitness accounts from that ill-fated March 19 night. The inquiry is focusing on various angles, primarily regarding official instructions, work pressure, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).The core of the investigation revolves around a thermal imaging camera at the Shivamogga zoo, which was reportedly used to test the hippopotamus's temperature, leading the animal to charge at the vet.While staffing shortages are noted, a major concern is the lack of CCTV footage from the hippopotamus enclosure. Police have questioned various people, including Dr Reddy's friends.