Bandipur Safari clash: Farmers protest, resort lobby push, 20 detained amid high drama

Tension erupts near Bandipur Safari Centre as farmers oppose safari reopening, resort owners demand restart, and police step in to control clashes and detain protesters.

A tense situation unfolded near the Bandipur Safari Centre in Gundlupet taluk after farmers staged a protest demanding that the safari should not be reopened, while resort owners and their supporters strongly pushed for its resumption.

The protest turned dramatic when supporters of resort owners attempted to enter the farmers’ protest site. Holding placards demanding the reopening of the safari, the resort lobby tried to move closer to the demonstrators, leading to heated arguments, pushing, and scuffles on the road.

Sensing the rising tension, police immediately intervened and detained more than 20 resort supporters. They were taken to Terakanambi police station for further questioning. At the same time, police also tried to clear the protesting farmers from the spot. This resulted in verbal clashes and minor physical scuffles between farmers and police personnel.

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To prevent further escalation, police shifted the protesting farmers in a government transport bus and took them to Begur police station. The entire operation took place near Melukamanahalli in the Bandipur region.

The protest is linked to the state government’s recent indication to reopen safari services in Bandipur and Nagarahole. While the Forest Minister has publicly suggested restarting the safari, forest officials in Bandipur claim they are yet to receive any official written order. Due to the absence of formal instructions, forest department staff are facing confusion and pressure from both sides.

Farmers strongly oppose reopening the safari, citing concerns over safety, agriculture, and local livelihood. On the other hand, resort owners argue that reopening the safari is essential for tourism and business, and have intensified lobbying efforts.

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Bandipur Conservator of Forests (CF) Prabhakaran confirmed that the department is currently awaiting official government orders. Until clarity emerges, uncertainty continues, keeping the region on edge.
Police have registered cases related to the incident and further investigation is underway.