Mangalore Tree Park Set on Fire, No CCTV to Trace Arsonists

A group of miscreants set parts of the Tannirbhavi tree park in Mangalore on fire, causing an estimated loss of Rs 6 lakh, on 29 March.

The park was set up in March 2016, in an area of 15 hectares near the Tannirbhavi beach, as a part of the Forest Department's biodiversity conservation efforts.

At 6 am on Wednesday, the forest department personnel spotted the fire. They alerted the Fire and Emergency Services personnel, who rushed to the spot to douse the fire. The Panambur police is investigating the case based on a complaint filed by the Forest Range Officer.

According to Lokesh, the police inspector, the reception area of the tree park was set ablaze by unidentified assailants. In



the absence of CCTV footage, the police have no other choice but to rely on statements from the locals.

"A forensic team visited the spot on Thursday and collected samples. Although we suspect the miscreants poured some inflammable liquid like kerosene before setting the park on fire, that can be verified only after the forensic report comes. It will take not less than a week for the reports to come. By then, we are making enquiries among the locals to get a lead," the inspector told.

Deputy Conservator of Forests KT Hanumantappa told The Hindu that a staff spotted the fire at 6 am. He said that the miscreants must have entered the park when the officials were away.