Forest watchman killed at Manki

Karwar, May 13: Close on the heels of the murder of Madan Nayak, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Dandeli, another forest staff was killed in Uttara Kannada district on Saturday. This is the second such case reported within five days in the district.

The victim, Veeresh Siddaiah Hiremath (45), who was working as a watchman at Manki check-post in Honnavar taluk, was killed on Saturday. The accused, Maruthi Manjunath Naik, is said to be mentally ill.

N.T. Pramod Rao, police inspector of Honnavar, said that Maruthi and Veeresh were friends. Preliminary inquiry revealed that Maruthi had mental problems. However, he had no criminal past.

According to sources in the Department of Forests, Maruthi allegedly assaulted Veeresh with a piece of wood when he refused to give him a beedi. Veeresh died of head injuries.