Yellapur mobile Court Sentences Dandeli Crocodile Park Murderer After 14 Years

Yellapura: In a significant development, the Yellapur mobile Court has announced the verdict in the long-standing case of the 2012 murder of SAF officer Madhan Nayak at Dandeli Crocodile Park, located in Uttara Kannada district.

The court sentenced the accused, Prashant Ramu Lambani, to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs. 11,000. Several other individuals involved in the case, including Anand Roopsingh Nayak, Suresh Shankarappa Nayak, Shailaja, Dhanabayi, Maduri Rathod, and Radh Nayak, have been fined Rs. 1,000 each.

Additionally, the court ordered a compensation of Rs. 50,000 to be paid to the family of the deceased, including his wife, son, and daughter. Justice Kiran Kini of the Yellapur Magistrate Court issued this directive, emphasizing the importance of supporting the victim’s family during this difficult time.

The government’s lawyer, Rajashekar Malgekar from Sirsi, had argued the case on behalf of the state.

Background of the Case:

The incident dates back to May 6, 2012, at the Dandeli Crocodile Park. Tourists from Bagalkot were feeding crocodiles when Madhan Nayak, a Forest Department SAF officer, advised them not to feed the crocodiles meat.

Enraged by the advice, the tourists attacked Nayak with deadly force. During the assault, Nayak sustained severe head injuries and was rushed to the hospital. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries on May 8, 2012.

Nayak’s wife, Sumati, filed a complaint with the police, which revealed that the attackers were government employees who also exerted influence during the investigation. Due to the gravity of the case and the involvement of government officials, the state government handed over the investigation to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The case drew widespread attention and was seen as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and justice in protecting government officials.

This verdict marks a milestone in delivering justice for Madhan Nayak’s family and underscores the legal system’s commitment to accountability, even after a 14-year delay. The court’s decision has been hailed by community members and wildlife protection advocates alike, emphasizing the importance of respecting forest laws and authorities tasked with safeguarding natural resources.

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