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CHAKRA AW

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89

FOREST MARTYRS

Issued by the A.P. Forest Department in

collaboration with the Association of Retired

Forest Officers - A.P.

Compiled by

K. Buchi Ram Reddy

FOREST MARTYRS

Compiled byK. Buchi Ram Reddy

Issued by the A.P. Forest Department incollaboration with the Association of Retired Forest Officers - A.P.

First Edition : 2012

Copies : 1500

Printed at : Venu GraphicsNallakunta,Hyderabad9246332717, 27605769

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A PATRIOTIC SONG

i

A PATRIOTIC SONG IN URDU: (Contd.)

Ae Shaheed-e-mulk-o-millat main tere oopar nisaar

Ab teri himmat ka charcha Ghair ki mahfil main hai

Sarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamare dil main hai

Dekhna hai zor kitna baazu-e-quatil me hai

……………………………………………………..

Hai liye hathiyaar dushman tak maiin baitha udhar

Aur hum tayyar hain seena liye apna idhar

Khoon se khelaingay holi gar vatan mushkil main hai

Sarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamare dil main hai

Dekhna hai zor kitna baazu-e quatil me hai

……………………………………………………..

Ram Prasad Bismil

TRANSLATION

O Martyrs of country, of nation, I submit myself to thee

For yet even the enemy speaks of thy courage

The desire for sacrifice is in our heart

We shall see what strength there is in the shoulders of the killer.

………………………………………………………………….

Armed does the enemy sit in wait on the other side

Ready are we, our bosoms thrust on this side

When the nation is in peril, we will spill our blood as we revel in Holi

The desire for sacrifice is in our heart

We shall see what strength there is in the shoulders of the killer.

ii

DEDICATEDTO

THE FOREST MARTYRSOF

ANDHRA PRADESH

iii

iv

v

vi

S.D. Mukherji, IFS

Prl.CCF (Rtd) & President,ARFOs.

FOREWORD

The recently concluded ‘conference of parties -11’ has shown theconcern of 193 countries on biodiversity conservation. Forests containa large proportion of the biodiversity and, therefore, the conservationof our forests and its biodiversity is the biggest need of the hour.

The frontline uniformed forest officers of the forest department, whoplay a major role in the protection of forest and wildlife, unfortunately,have to discharge their duty without arms and communicationfacilities. With the declining respect for law and increase in naxaliteactivity, the frequency of humiliation and threat to life of the officersresponsible for forest protection is increasing that mostly gounreported. We only come to know of such incidents when the threatsend in killing.

The dependents of the officers, making supreme sacrifice in helpingto protect the forests, suffer silently. Hence, the ‘Association of RetiredForest Officers: Andhra Pradesh’ have decided to record such casesand bring out the publication for all forest loving people.

I congratulate Sri Buchiram Reddy IFS (Retd.) for his painstaking effortto collect the necessary information and put it in writing for all of us. Iam sure this publication will bring a better understanding of the perilsof forest protection and prompt the government and forestbureaucracy to give better amenities to the forest officers responsiblefor the protection of our forests.

Place: Hyderabad

Date: 10 November 2012

Aranya Bhavan, Room No, 514,

Hyderabad-500 004

Phone:2355 1065, 986 523 6493

S.D. Mukherji,President,

Assn. of Retd. For. Officers,

Andhra Pradesh.

Email: sdmukherji @ gmail.comvii

PREFACE

This is an attempt to put together all that which relates to the FOREST

MARTYRS. In the past, there had been instances of death of forest

officers either by accident or due to attack by wild animals, or death

while performing duty or as a result of criminal assault by smugglers

or extremists. They were few and far between. It must however be said

that they were all unsung heroes.

In the recent years, killing by smugglers or criminal assaults by

extremists have enormously increased. Ruthless killing of forest and

police personnel and informants to the police by the poacher/

smuggler Veerappan in the forests of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka is

too well known. There is no information if any record of the treacherous

killings is maintained by the concerned departments.

The matter of forest officers getting killed deservingly received good

attention when Dy.C.F., Sri P. Srinivas was mercilessly beheaded. That

is the beginning of remembering forest martyrs on November 10,

every year.

Retired Prl.C.C.F Sri R.K. Rao suggested to me that, in addition to

observing Forest Martyrs Day, the brave hearts should be immortalized.

Therefore in the Vana Premi, a regular feature under the caption ROLL

OF HONOUR, life sketches of each of the heroes who sacrificed their

lives, was published. In collecting the information of the Martyrs

Sri B.S.S. Reddy and Sri B. Muralikrishna, Addl. P.C.C.Fs helped me. I am

grateful to them.

viii

Each year before November 10 (The Forest Martyrs Day), an editorial

was written in the Vana Premi and a few articles also appeared in the

journal. All the material is compiled in this volume so as to serve as a

reference book.

It is gratifying to note that the Andhra Pradesh Government is

providing to the bereaved families, ex-gratia amount, family pension

etc. This is not enough; some thing more as suggested in the columns

of the Vana Premi needs to be done.

I express my sense of gratitude to the Hon'ble Cheif Minister, Hon'ble

Minister for Forests, & Environment, Prl. C.C.F for their tribute to the

Forest Martyrs. I am also grateful to Sri. S.D. Mukherji, President of the

Association of Retired Forest Officers Andhra Pradesh as also the

Secretary Sri Santokh Singh and joint Secretary Sri P. Upender Reddy

for helping in this compilation and to the President of the Association

for writing the foreword. I am indebted to Sri C.Subbarao, P.C.C.F. (Retd.)

for his guidence. I am grateful to Sri Qamar Mohd. Khan, Editor Vana

Premi for supplying the material from the records of Vana Premi.

I appreciate the help rendered by K. Satish Reddy for D.T.P. Layout and

designing. I thank M/s Venu Graphics for undertaking the task of

printing the volume in a very short time.

Place: Hyderabad K.Buchi Ram Reddy

Date: 10 Nov. 2012 email : buchiramkeesara@yahoo.co.in

ix

CONTENTS

x

INTRODUCTION1. Patriotic song i2. Dedication iii3. Tribute by the Hon'ble Chief Minister iv4. Tribute by the Hon'ble Forest Minister v5. Tribute by the Hon'ble Prl.C.C.F. vi6. Foreword by the President, A.R.F.Os, A.P. vii7. Preface by the Author viii

Articles on P. Srinivas & Editorials1. Message from Prl.CCF ...................... S.K. Das ................. 12. List of Forest Martyrs of A.P ............................................... 23. Musings on Forest Martyrs Day ......... R.K.Rao .................. 34. A Brief Resume of Srinivas ................ S.D Mukherji ........... 45. Tragic end of Srinivas ........................ Dr.K.Kesava Reddy ....76. Martyrs Day - A day to Introspect ...... J.v.sharma .............. 87. My thoughts on Forest Martyrs Day .................K.B.R Reddy ........ 138. Remembering Forest Martyrs

P. Srinivas Versus Veerappan,the Whiskered Villan .......................... K.B.R .................... 18

9. Forest Martyrs Day-2003 ................... K.B.R .................... 2210. Forest Martyrs Day -2004 .................. K.B.R .................... 23

(after the killer was killed)11. Forest Martyrs Day-2005 ................... K.B.R .................... 2512. Forest Martyrs Day-2006 ................... K.B.R .................... 2713. Forest Martyrs Day-2007 ................... K.B.R .................... 2814. Forest Martyrs Day-2008 ................... K.B.R .................... 2915. Forest Martyrs Day-2009 ................... Q.M.K ................... 3116. Forest Martyrs Day-2010 ................... Q.M.K ................... 3417. Forest Martyrs Day-2011 ................... Q.M.K ................... 3618. Forest Martyrs Day-2012 ................... Q.M.K ................... 39

BRIEF SKETCH OF FOREST MARTYRS1. Ahmad Mohiuddin, F.S.O .................................................. 432. Sheikh Ali, Attender ........................................................... 453. V. Ashirvadam, F.B.O ........................................................ 46

xi

4. Mohd. Akbar Ali,F.S.O ....................................................... 475. K. Padma Rao, F.B.O........................................................ 496. G. Narsa Reddy, F.R.O. .................................................... 507. Soloman Raju, F.B.O. ....................................................... 518. Shaikh Hyder, F.B.O.......................................................... 539. Syed Ghouse Mohiuddin, F.B.O. ...................................... 5410. A. Kondal Rao, F.R.O........................................................ 5511. M. Venkata Ramana, F.W. ................................................ 5712. V. Srihari, F.S.O. ................................................................ 5813. Mohd. Sadiq Hussain, F.B.O............................................. 5914. L. Raja Rao, F.B.O. ........................................................... 6015. S.K. Khadar, F.B.O. ........................................................... 6016. M. Krishnaiah, A.B.O......................................................... 6117. G. Ramaiah, F.R.O. ........................................................... 6218. Mirza Taqui Ali Baig, Dy. R.O. ........................................... 6319. R. Laxminarayana, A.B.O. ................................................ 6420. Ch. Narahari, F.B.O. .......................................................... 6521. Rana Pratap Singh, F.S.O. ............................................... 6622. P. Rajamouli, F.B.O. .......................................................... 6723. S. Abdul Gafoor, A.B.O. .................................................... 6824. C. Jacob, F.B.O. ................................................................ 7025. D. Ramachandra Reddy, Dy. R.O. .................................... 7126. N. Rama Murthy, A.B.O..................................................... 9227. Sheikh Sahim Basha, F.B.O. ............................................ 7328. A. Chandrabhan, F.B.O. .................................................... 7429. B. Manthia, F.B.O. ............................................................. 7530. D.Shivlal, F.B.O. ................................................................ 7631. T. Satyanarayana, F.B.O. .................................................. 7832. C. Sreenivasulu, A.B.O. .................................................... 8033. Madan H. Nayak, A.C.F. (Karnataka) ............................... 81IV. Shradhanjali to Martyrs1. J@g J=∞~° g~°∞ʼnõΩ x"åà◊√Å∞ - 2007 ........................................................................ 822. J@g J=∞~° g~°∞ʼnõΩ x"åà◊√Å∞ - 2008 ........................................................................ 833. ǨÏi « Ãã·x‰õΩÅ∞ - J@g J=∞~° g~°∞ʼnõΩ x"åà◊√Å∞ - 2009 ............................................. 844. J@g J=∞~° g~°∞ʼnõΩ x"åà◊√Å∞ - 2010 ........................................................................ 855. J@g J=∞~° g~°∞ʼnõΩ x"åà◊√Å∞ - 2011 ........................................................................ 866. J@g J=∞~° g~°∞ʼnõΩ x"åà◊√Å∞ - 2012 ........................................................................ 87Homage to Forest Martyrs ....................................................... 88

1

2

FOREST MARTYRS OF ANDHRA PRADESH

S.No. Name of Martyr Dessignation Division Date of death

1 Ahmad Mohiuddin ____ F.S.O. Kaghaznagar 19612 Sheikh Ali __________ Attender Medak 19643 V. Aasheervadam ____ F.B.O. Eluru 17.06.19824 Md. Akbar Ali ________ F.S.O. Kamareddy 11.03.19845 K.Padma Rao _______ F.B.O. Karimnagar (E) 07.10.19846 G. Narsa Reddy _____ F.R.O. Nirmal 30.01.19877 Solomon Raj ________ F.B.O. Kothagudem 04.11.19878 Shaik Hyder_________ F.B.O. Jannaram (WL) 12.11.19889 Ghouse Mohiuddin ___ F.B.O. Adilabad 24.03.198910 A. Kondal Rao _______ F.R.O. Kaghaznagar 24.03.198911 M. Venkataramana ___ A.B.O. Chittoor East WL 06.04.199012 V.Srhari ____________ F.S.O. Warangal North 04.12.199013 Mohd. Sadiq Hussain _ F.B.O. Mancherial 02.06.199114 L. Raja Rao _________ A.B.O. Markapur (WL) 23.09.199215 SK. Khadar _________ A.B.O. Markapur (WL) 23.09.199216 M. Krishnaiah _______ A.B.O. Markapur (WL) 29.09.199217 C. Ramaiah _________ F.R.O. Atmakur (WL) 20.06.199418 Mirza Taqui Beg _____ Dy.R.O Mancheial 11.06.199519 R. Lakshminarayana __ A.B.O. Karimnagar West 09.09.199620 Ch. Narahari ________ F.B.O. Karimnagar West 29.03.199821 T. Rana Pratap Singh _ F.S.O. Achampet (WL) 27.06.199822 P. Rajamouli ________ F.B.O. Warangal North 29.07.200123 Abdul Gaffoor _______ A.BO. Guntur 16.10.200224 C. Jacob ___________ F.B.O. Achampet (WL) 10.02.200625 D. Ramachandra Reddy _ Dy.R.O. Nandyal (WL) 11.04.200626 N. Rama Murthy ___ A.B.O. Bhadrachalam (N) 26.05.200527 SK. Sahim Basha ___ F.B.O. Markapur (WL) 24.01.200728 A. Chandrabhan ___ F.B.O. Nirmal 31.07.200729 B. Mathya _________ F.B.O. Adilabad 17.12.200930 Shivlal ___________ F.B.O. Medak 25.11.201031. T. Satyanarayana ___ F.B.O. Nirmal 29.03.201132.C. Sreenivasulu ____ A.B.O. Chittoor 12.07.2011

33. Madan H.Nayak ___ A.C.F. Karnataka 08-05-2012

3

MUSINGS ON FOREST MARTYRS DAYBy

R.K. Rao

The 10th of November is being observed as commemoration day to

remember and recollect the services of foresters who lost their lives

in the call of duty. This was the day Srinivas, a young officer of Karnataka

cadre, was killed by the notorious brigand Veerappan responsible for

sandal and elephant poaching on a large scale.

I had the privilege of presiding over the solemn function in

Rajamundry this year (2006). The parents and family members of

Srinivas were invitees to the function while sizable amount of literature

was available on Srinivas and compensation was paid to his family

members, though not to their expectation, no information was

available on the 23 staff members of RFOs, foresters and guards across

the state who were killed while performing their duty, more

importantly the compensation and employment to the survivors of

the bereaved families; it will boost the morale of serving staff when

they know that the department does not forget its heroes, and “the

good that men do is often not interred with their bones.”

I cannot think of grater service Vana Premi can do than to publish in

the commemoration issue evey year, a Roll-of-Honour of these warriors

and the action taken (or not) to extend succor to their families; after

all they are also retired persons, though prematurely. Observing this

day will have a meaning if we make such a review.

(Published in Vana Premi of December 2006)

ARTICLES ON P. SRINIVAS & EDITORIALS

4

A BRIF RESUME OF SRINIVASBY

S.D. Mukherji

Late Pandillapali Srinivas, IFS (1979) sacrificed his life in the discharge

of his goal to catch the dreaded Veerappan, the notorious elephant

poacher and sandalwood smuggler, to save the forests and wildlife.

He started his service career in 1982 as Assistant Conservator of Forests

in Chamarajnagar taluk of Mysore district in Karnataka State.

Gopinatham, the native village of Veerappan, falls in Chamarajnagar

taluk, which was the centre of Veerappan’s activity. Thus, from the very

beginning of his service career, Srinivas was fully seized of the danger

posed by Veerappan to the people and the forests. He established and

coordinated networks between the police and the foresters,

succeeding in the arrest of a large number of poachers and smugglers

and also recovering huge quantity of sandalwood and ivory from them.

Srinivas was the first and the only person to arrest Veerappn in 1986.

However, Veerappan managed to escape when Srinivas was out on

raids of smugglers’ dens. This escape of Veerappan made Srinivas more

determined to catch him red-handed.

In May 1990, while Srinivas was undergoing a training course in the

United States, he was posted to the joint Special Task Force (STF), set

up by Karnataka and Tamil Nadu Governments to nab Veerappan, who

was then commanding a hundred member gang. Srinivas had realized

early that Veerappan’s strength came from his God-like image among

the poor and oppressed villagers in his operational area. Therefore,

Srinivas started with Veerappan’s native village, Gopinatham, where

for the next 19 months he lived and monitored the movement of the

smugglers and poachers. Srinivas lived and worked with his own

5

resources and by coordinating with the district administration. He

built roads connecting the interior villages, brought drinking water,

started mobile dispensary and took up tribal housing programme. He

was convinced that forests can be protected and developed only when

livelihood of forest dwellers is taken care and worked accordingly.

At Gopinatham, Srinivas built a temple to make the villagers God

fearing, lead an honest life and dissociate them from the criminal

activity of Veerappan. Gradually People started listening to Srinivas

and help him in checking the poaching and smuggling activity. He

was successful in reducing Veerappan’s gang from 100 to 10 members

and provided alternative source of income to those who left the gang.

Within months of joining the STF, he had won the hearts of most of

the villagers and gradually brought them out of the poaching and

smuggling activities. On August 7, 1990, Srinivas had spotted

Veerappan within firing range while combing Boadmalai forests with

his team. He could have shot Veerappan dead but Srinivas wanted to

reform Veerappan rather than killing him. Without firing a bullet,

Srinivas had demolished Veerappan’s empire, decimated his gang,

threatened his freedom and almost imperilled his life. He also

developed good relations with Veerappan’s brother Arjunan, and sister

Mariamma who were residing in Gopinatham, and helped them. His

hard work, sincerity, helping nature and soft corner for the poor was

acknowledged by one and all. Veerappan’s anti-forest activities had

already reduced to minimum as he was losing the support of the local

people. Srinivas was sure Veerappan will surrender soon.

On 9th November 1991, Srinivas received a wireless message that

Veerappan was ready to surrender if he meets him unaccompanied

and unarmed at Araka Halla in Sathyamangalam forests. Srinivas

6

believed in the goodness of man. Therefore, Srinivas set out alone. He

met Arjunan en route and stayed with him for the night. Next morning

he left to meet Veerappan and his gang as per his conditions. Srinivas

was shot dead and beheaded mercilessly by Veerappan and his gang.

On 26th January 1992 Srinivas was posthumously awarded “Kirti

Chakra”, the second highest peace time gallantry award. His short span

of exemplary service is a lesson for the future generation of civil

servants.

(Part of Srinivas Memorial Lecture to the Civil Service Trainees during

the Foundation Course at M.C.R. Institute of Public Administration at

Hyderabad, published in Vana Premi of November 2008.)

7

TRAGIC END OF SRINIVASBy

Dr. K. Kesava Reddy

The cause for today’s memorial lecture is not a happy one. It is on thetragic end of one of the young officer of Indian Forest Service ofKarnataka cadre, the late Srinivas of 1979 batch, which we are com-memorating today. I had known him personally while in service andam well conversant with the tact he had, in Chamarajnagar district ofKarnataka near Mysore where he was brutally beheaded by the notedforest brigand, the late Veerappan, known for his brutal acts and for-est smuggling. Srinivas voluntarily chose to apprehend Veerappanmuch against the wishes of his official bosses. He was keen on safe-guarding forest wealth and to work in deep jungles of Chamarajnagar– Satyamangalam tract, while many of his colleagues opted for urbanpostings.

(Excerpt from the Srinivas Memorial Lecture to Civil Service Officerson 12 September 2010 at the MCR HRD Institute at Hyderabad, pub-lished in Vana Premi of March 2011)

8

MARTYRS DAY ; A DAY TO INTROSPECTBy

J.V, Sharma

The 10th day od November each year is being observed by the forest

department in Andhra Pradesh as Martyrs Day. It was on this day in

the year 1991, a young officer by name P. Srinivas of Indian Forest

Service borne on Karnataka cadre, was brutally beheaded by the

notorious smuggler and poacher Veerappn whom Srinivas was to

apprehend if fate did not will otherwise. Incidentally Srinivas had his

umbilical connections with Andhra Pradesh and he married the

daughter of a forest officer of this state who was a close friend of mine.

Besides this, when Mr. M. Kamal Naidu, IFS, PCCF of A.P was asked to

deliver the first Srinivas Memorial lecture at Indira Gandhi National

Forest Academy, he chose a case detected investigated and prosecuted

by me to be worthy enough for the occasion and the lecture was well

received. Thus the spirit behind the Martyrs Day happened to be linked

to forests, persons connected with forests and as a natural

consequence to protection of of forests and wildlife.

One who by his death bears witness to his belief or one who suffers

for belief or cause is a martyr. Persons who sacrificed their life in

freedom struggle are martyrs. Their sacrifice was voluntary, neither

dictated by others nor coercive. It could also be construed that they

could also have continued to live happily if only they did not choose

to sacrifice their life by volition. Persons, who are ignorant of the values

of life and the strength of attenendent passion, may as well demean it

as a suicide. One has to have enormous mental strength and moral

fiber to die for a cause. Put in simple words, it is the highest and noblest

9

sacrifice one can do for a cause which he obviously considered to be

dearer than life.

The person opting to be a soldier is fully aware that he has to guard

the borders of the country and, if need be, sacrifice his life to prevent

external aggression. He is conscious of the fact that he should be

prepared to kill or be killed. To come forward to choose a career to

stake his life is no mean gesture. Death, should it ever come in course

of duty to him, is surely martyrdom. But the persons opting for civil

jobs are not supposed to be exposed to the ‘risk to life’, not

withstanding the regulatory functions they are called upon to perform.

If one in civil jobs is required to lose life in the exigencies of call of

duty, is certainly martyrdom. A forester would never have even the

remotest suspicion of losing his life when he chose the career.

Speaking of Forst Martyrs, it used to be rarest of the rare incidents in

the past. There was a case of a Thanadar sacrificing his life to prevent

smuggling in Rayalaseema region of the State. But unfortunately, the

incidents involving loss of life to foresters have been many in the past

quarter of a century. We seem to accept this as fact of routine. We pay

ceremonial homage to those noble departed souls as a ritual. We do

not appear to go into reasons which contributed to their tragic loss of

life and see whether we can make at least a feeble attempt to reduce

such casualties if not prevent them totally. Martyrs Day should also be

a day of introspection and to think whether anything can be done to

reduce the risks.

As stated already, these unfortunate incidents are mostly linked to

protection of forests and wildlife. The following points could be

relevant in this context:

10

1. As a sequel to population in crease, the demand for forest produce

is on the high, there is resultant pressure on the forests.

2. Lack of awareness of environment and its importance among the

public.

3. Scant respect for forest laws.

4. Increasing trend among public to resort to aggressive and violent

methods.

5. Political interference at every level.

6. Inadequate professionalism among foresters

7. Absence of political will at the Government level.

8. Failure to innovate methods to meet the new challenges.

9. Lack of accountability.

10. Lack of vision and wisdom on the part of Government and the

Department.

Each of the above grey areas needs a lot of space to explain; but all of

them are too obvious, and perhaps need no elucidation. For proper

appreciation of the situation, I may cite the example of encroachment

of forest lands. It has been bothering the Department for almost five

decades. There has always been duplicity in Government response to

this issue. On one side they say that forest lands are in-alienable and

the other side they went on regularizing the encroachments on one

pretext or the other. On one side they said that regularization of

encroachments will prove to be an incentive for further

encroachments and on the other, they did not have any qualms to

bring in the Forest Rights Act which would deprive the Nation of at

least a million acres of forest area. They never allowed the duty minded

foresters to implement the law firmly and provide the necessary

wherewithal. They spoke in different languages to make the matter

11

much worse. Revenue and Police departments which count much in

such situations were always made to work at cross purposes. Instead

of enforcing the law and helping do that, the bureaucrats are

encouraged to sing odes on human factor and sentiment. What they

conveniently ignored is that crime cannot be explained away as

sentiment. The Government has thus encouraged the menace of forest

encroachments by wantonly turning Nelson’s eye to various alarming

reports sent by the Department and notably the report from Sri H.K.

Desai, specially assigned for the purpose. The Government of India

could be the lone example on the globe acquiring the dubious

distinction of bringing in a law which condones a crime and rewards

the offender. Needless to say, that the case in point is against the Forest

Rights Act.

All these happenings over the years cast a demoralizing effect on the

departmental personnel and they seem to have lost the professional

urge to act on their own. The violations of forest law have since become

a routine issue. Instead of looking at law books, powers and functions

assigned as part of duty, they appear to look for guidance from the

Government who naturally are in no mood to oblige the department

in its hour of crisis. Case in point is the aftermath of Forest Rights Act

where miscreants have recently resorted to large scale destruction of

forest and encroachment in the hope of annexing the forest land at a

future date when another Dr. Manmohan Singh will bring in another

political exigency and populism.

The Forest Department is also to blame for this unfortunate situation

to some extent. They never dared to take the issue to its logical end.

Can the Department enforce the forest laws? The answer unfortunately

is ‘no’. Much water flowed down the rivers of Andhra Pradesh and the

12

foreter has come down by several notches in public esteem and

rendered himself too much vulnerable. On the other side, he does not

have the much needed logistics at his disposal to deliver the goods.

Law & Order situation has been worsening by the day and so also the

crime management. In several other sectors the Government found it

necessary to bring the new laws to face new challenges following the

doctrine: “A special problem needs a special solution”. Out-dated laws

and obsolete procedures can no longer bail out a forester. The days of

fighting a war with a sword are long over.

We are going still with the Forest Act of 1967. Pseudo social scientists

and self-styled intellectuals called it Draconian. Is it really so? If it is so,

the damage caused to the forests during the past forty years could

have been avoided. The law needs to be changed to make it more

purposeful. Regulatory mechanism has to be made effective. All

necessary infrastructures should be provided to make the Forest Force

to function without any difficulty. There must be greater accountability

for forest personnel and the errands should be dealt with severely.

Unless a thorough exercise on these lines is undertaken and

meaningful solutions are evolved, there will be more and more martyrs

from among the dwindling tribe of conscientious professionals of

Forest Force. It is certainly not our goal to make more martyrs.

LET US SALUTE THE MARTYRS WHO SACRIFICED THEIR LIFE IN COURSE

OF PERFORMING THEIR DUTY DESPITE THE ODDS LOADED AGAINST

THEM.

(Published in Vana Premi of November 2009)

13

MY THOUGHTS ON FOREST MARTYRS DAYBy

K.B.R. Reddy

November 1, 1956: With the formation of Andhra Pradesh, on this

day the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department came into existence. We

have a rich, colourful and varied history of our profession. Due to

amalgamation / integration of two departments into one, we are

united and we will continue to be united; for, our union is our strength.

We hope espirit de corps will prevail on us, no matter what the political

decisions are.

November 10, 1991: This is a sad day for the entire community of

Foresters of the country when we come to know of the horrendous

story of killing our colleague in forests of Karnataka State. This is the

day every year we observe with all solemnity the Forest Martyrs Day

to commemorate the supreme sacrifice made by our colleagues in

protecting the forests while pursuing their profession of forestry.

On tis day we specially remember P. Srinivas, the Karma yogi and son

of Veera Matha Jayalakshmi and Pandillaplli Anantha Rao of

Rajamundry of Andhra Pradesh; he was an officer of the Indian Forest

Service (IFS) borne on Karnataka cadre. Can we imagine the amount

of shock and grief his parents suffered on seeing the headless torso of

their beloved son? Srinivas was lured into a trap cunningly on

November 9. 1991 and was beheaded by the forest brigand Veerappan

on November 10, 1991 at a place called Eric John Valley. We observe in

the whole of India commemorating death of forest employees who

are killed by smugglers of timber, poachers, extremists (naxalites) or

wild animals.

14

In Hyderabad, a Memorial is constructed at the Nehru Zoological Park

with names of more than twenty five employees, etched on a plaque,

of those persons who laid down their lives while discharging their duty.

This is a very solemn occasion for the Andhra Pradesh Forest

Department. Many forest officers including forest officers in uniform

assemble at the Memorial, decorated with flowers of different hues

and colours and V.I.Ps. like the Forest Minster, Public Representatives

etc. are invited to participate in the function. A contingent of police

with arms, also joins the ceremony. A running commentary is arranged

for the event. After the initial formalities, the bugler plays the last post

and two minutes silence is observed as a mark of respect to the

departed souls. Services of the late heroes are eulogized and wreaths

are placed at the Memorial and the sad and solemn ceremony comes

to a close.

Due to the premature end of the life and career of Srinivas, his parents

suffered untold misery and agony in supporting the family. Srinivas

was a direct recruit to I.F.S. belonging to 1979 batch. He would have

been due for retirement on April 31, 2013. The Government of

Karnataka agreed to pay full salary to the survivors till his retirement,

had he been alive. But the payment was delayed because of a family

litigation, which ended up recently. His mother is declared eligible to

receive the arrears of salary. Nearly twenty years after the death of

Srinivas, a sum of Rs. 33.82 lakh (arrears up to 31.10.2010) was paid to

his mother and a Bangalore Development Authority site measuring

60 x 40 ft. was allotted to her.

In Andhra Pradesh, ex-gratia amount, gratuity and full salary till the

date of superannuation of the deceased employee had he been alive,

are granted to the widow. In addition, benefit of compassionate

15

appointment to a survivor of the bereaved family is given, provided

he / she is qualified. An obituary is published in the Vana Premi under

a regular feature, ROLL OF HONOUR. Any amount of help cannot

compensate the loss. Yet there is scope for doing some thing more.

Kamal Yadav, General Secretary of All India Forest Officers’ Federation

(Assam) laments that in spite of Government of India’s orders of 2006

for payment of ex-gratia, no one received the amount. Since 1960s at

least 65 forest personnel are stated to have been killed in Assam.

October 21, 1959: This is a gloomy day for the entire police force in

the country. On this day, Dy.S.P. Karam Singh and 20 soldiers of the

Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were attacked by the Chinese army

at Hot Springs in Ladakh resulting in 10 casualties. The survivors were

imprisoned.

The CRPF is a premier armed force of Union of India (U.O.I.) raised in

1949 under Central Legislation and Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, the then

Home Minister, took the initiative. During 1965 India-Pakistan war, CRPF

played a significant role. The CRPF has done a commendable job under

the Home Ministry and many national leaders admired their services.

The CRPF helps State Police Force in maintaining law and order in

addition to counter-insurgency operations.

On October 21, each year, Police Commemoration Day is observed with

Commemoration parade and remembrance of all the police officers

who got killed during riots, or fell targets to the terrorists, extremists

and miscreants. Many police personnel got killed during encounter

with naxalites.

Green Force: This is a wing of the CRPF. They take care of the

environment and endeavour to protect nature. They planted 3 lakh

seedlings during commemoration of 50th India’s Independence. In

Orissa, Barbera forest of 2,400 ha has been adopted by the CRPF for

preservation / protection of flora and fauna.

16

December 7, 1949: This day is chosen to honour valiant and martyred

soldiers, airmen and sailors representing the three defence forces of

India; and salute veterans and to renew solidarity of citizens with our

brave service personnel. This is being observed annually in India since

1949 to commemorate the brave hearts who sacrificed their life

fighting enemies to protect the frontiers of our nation. This day is called

Armed Forces Flag Day or simply Flag Day when funds are collected

by sale of flags and stickers. The objectives are threefold viz.

(1). Rehabilitation battle casualties;

(2). Welfare of serving personnel and their families; and

(3). Resettlement of ex-service men.

January 30, 1948: This day is marked for annual observance to honour

those who are recognized as martyrs for the nation. This is the saddest

day in the history of Independent India when Mahatma Gandhi, whom

we call “Bapu” or “Father of the Nation”, was assassinated. The martyrs

are those who sacrificed their all to achieve freedom for the country.

On this day, the President of India, Vice-President, Prime Minister,

Defence Minister and three Service Chiefs meet at the Samadhi of

Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat Memorial. Armed Forces Personnel blow

bugles sounding last post. The inter–services contingent reverse arms

and two minutes silence is observed as a mark of respect to the Father

of Nation and other martyrs at 11 a.m.

Suggestions: On the solemn occasion of Forest Martyrs Day, I am

reminded of our respectable Colleague, P. Raghuveer’s valued

suggestions dated 10.11.2009 for donating blood, donation of eyes

and other organs which can save lives of those who are on the

threshold of losing sight or losing life. This may be planned.

As suggested, our motto should be poverty alleviation through

sustainable forestry practice. We have the Forest Benevolent Fund

17

(F.B.F.) which is working at snail paced speed. It should be activated if

the objectives have to be fulfilled. On the lines of Flag Day Fund, some

amount may be collected on the Forest Martyrs Day and the same

may be added to the F.B.F.; and the amount so collected may be utilized

for payment to the Forest Martyrs’ families who need financial

assistance; and such distressed families in need of monetary assistance

may be identified before hand.

‘Forest of Martyrs’ may be raised in each division by planting annually

as many tall trees as the number of Martyrs and protect them well.

The attendance of officers in-service on the occasion of Forest Martyrs

Day is not 100 per cent. Retired Forest Officers should also participate

in large number.

Conclusion: Martyrs Day on January 30 is observed for the sacrifice

the Mahatma and the others made. Forest Martyrs Day is observed

annually on November 10, for the sacrifice P. Srinivas and others made.

Bapu preached non-violence; Srinivas practiced non-violence. One was

shot to death by using pistol; another was beheaded by using knife.

Strange resemblance! Gandhi was a Mahatma and no less was Srinivas.

Har Firz Dosthi ka Kaun Karega

Hum na Rahenge to Shaheedon ko Yaad Kaun Karega

Mere Khuda Mere Doston ke Aatma ko Shanti Dena

Varna Hamare Jeene ki Duva Kaun Karega

JAI HIND

(Published in Vana Premi of November 2011)

18

II. REMEMBERING FOREST MARTYRS

P. Srinivas Versus Veerappan, the Whiskered Villain :

Brigand, Poacher, Smuggler, Fugitive, Outlaw, Criminal, Murderer, or

Marauder – whatever epithet is used to describe the character – we

may have to call him a “Veera+Appan”. He has engaged Tamil Nadu

and Karnataka Governments in hectic parleys following abduction on

July 30, 2000 of Karnataka Thespian Rajkumar. Veerappan is said to be

moving in and around the forests of ‘Sathyamangalam’; but his

movement in forest environment did not have any influence on his

lifestyle: what he speaks is ‘asathyam’ (falsehood) and what he does is

‘amanglam’ (abominable).

Starting his ‘wild career’ of killing elephants for tusks had successfully

established himself as a notorious smuggler of sandalwood. He has

become a monarch of a realm of an extent of 6,000 sq.kms. in the deep

forests of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Veerappan belongs to a

family of hunters; and poaching has become his forte. All our ancestors

in fact were hunters and gatherers. Over the eons, they have changed;

but Veerappan and his predecessors did not. Since past more than a

decade, Veerappan has been eluding arrest by the Governments of

Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The Joint Task Force at one time even

proclaimed that Veerappan would be nabbed soon but it did not

become a reality. Why? Surely because, he gets the support of poor

people living in and around the forests either out of sympathy or for

fear of assault; and he lends support to others in politics or other walks

of life.

19

Beginning as a poacher for tusks, Veerappan had become an ace

smuggler of sandalwood; then an abductor for ransom; now a Tamil

Nationalist and a blackmailer. He has joined with the members of Tamil

Nadu National Liberation Army (TNLA), Tamil National Retrieval Troops

(TNRT) and Tamil National Liberation Force (TNLF). These organizations

aim at forming Tamil Nation - a dangerous portent, in deed.

In return for freeing the Kannada Cine actor RajKumar and his relatives,

Veerappan demands that his associates – some more than 51 detenus

under Terrorists and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) and

National Security Act (NSA) – be released from jails. Both the

Governments of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have agreed to release

the detenus and what followed is a history as the matter went to the

Supreme Court of India. The basic question that arises in these two

states, and for that matter in any other state, is: Why infractions against

Forest Laws are not nipped in the bud? What is considered an

insignificant occurrence in the beginning may become a Herculean

task with the passage of time.

We have problems of this nature in our state too. Smuggling of timber,

poaching of wild animals and clearance of jungle for purpose of

cultivation. These are the three evils (Doshatrayam) afflicting the state

forests. If some do it for meeting their need, others do illegal activities

out of their greed. Whether need based or greed related, offences have

to be tackled promptly, tactfully, firmly and effectively. Promptness

coupled with tact and firmness pays. Poor people indulge in forest

offences for meeting their needs or for supplementing their income.

Poverty alleviation benefits do not trickle down to the deserving poor.

Each failure should be taken as a stepping stone for success while

taking remedial action for the failure. There must be at all levels a

20

periodical appraisal of performance. Suitable correctives must be

introduced into the system during the implementation of a scheme,

when it fails to achieve its objective.

Reverting to Veerappan, he is alleged to have killed several innocent

people including some policemen and foresters; smuggled

sandalwood worth crores of rupees. Governments of Karnataka and

Tamil Nadu have spent several crores of rupees to nab him; all in vain.

It does not matter. Sincere efforts can still be made with more vigour

and redoubled zeal. It goes to the credit of Dy.C.F. Srinivas, hailing from

Andhra, borne on the cadre of Karnataka, for having arrested the bandit

Veerappan in October 1986; but as ill luck would have it, Veerappan

escaped from his custody. Srinivas was on specific mission. Years later,

Veerappan felt envious of the growing popularity of the young IFS

officer, lured him into a trap under a false promise of surrendering

himself to the Government, and brutally killed him on November 10,

1991. According to a decision of the Government of India, November

10 each year is to be observed as Forest Martyrs Day to pay homage

to those who laid down their lives for the cause of forest protection.

We should participate without invitation in this solemn function.

A former Judge of the Supreme Court referring to the brutalities

perpetrated by the ‘Whiskered Villain’ calls his activities as

‘Veerappacracy’ . A retired Director General of Police says: “It is a shame

that an outlaw should remind two State Governments of their duty,

with a gun pointed at their heads”. Civil liberties activist Kannabhiran

suggested to drop charges under TADA against Veerappan. Reacting

to this, Journalist Kuldip Nayar says that the suggestion does not

acquire validity merely because the bandit is holding the film actor as

hostage. The plan conceived by the two Chief Ministers, owing to

21

political overtones and implied sensitive issues, is perhaps an

administrative strategy. Let us pray for the safe return of Actor Rajkumar

and others held hostage by Veerappan, hoping that the whiskered

villain would be caught and punished for his misdeeds.

K.B.R

(Published originally as editorial in Vana Premi of July/August/

September 2000)

22

FOREST MARTYRS DAY – 2003

November 10 every year is observed as Forest Martyrs Day. This was

the day on which in the year 1991, Deputy Conservator of Karnataka

State, Pandillapalli Srinivas was ruthlessly killed by the sandalwood

smuggler and forest brigand Veerappan. The late Srinivas, an young

officer of the Indian Forest Service, borne on the cadre of Karnataka

State, was born in Rajahmundry of Andhra Pradesh. He virtually fell in

the trap laid by the reckless adventurer Veerappan and was

treacherously murdered, when he was almost on the verge of

achieving his goal of winning the hearts of the local population to

ensure their full cooperation to complete the task assigned to him.

Srinivas has thus has gone into the abode of Srinivasa. His dedication,

determination, courage and commitment have become a legacy for

the present and future generation of Foresters.

In Andhra Pradesh State too we have examples of the like of the late

Srinivas who have laid down their lives while discharging their duty.

There are 21 Foresters who have fallen victims of ruthless killing by

poachers and extremists. Living or dead they have left glorious

example of the sacrifice for the cause of forests, forestry and wildlife.

We dedicate November 10, to the memory of all those brave soldiers

who, while discharging their constitutional obligation to protect

forests and safeguard wildlife, sacrificed their precious lives. Let us

remember them with utmost gratitude. We salute to the brave foresters

on this occasion. Let us all participate with solemnity in the

commemoration of the Forest Martyrs Day at Aranya Bhavan on 10.11.

2003 at 10.00 a.m. and at all other places Viz. Circle headquarters,

Division headquarters and Range headquarters in the State.

May the Lord of Seven Hills bless the departed souls!

K.B.R.

(Originally published as editorial in Vana Premi of November 2003)

23

FOREST MARTYRS DAY – 2004 (Martyrs Commemoration after the killer is killed)

“Operation Cocoon” has been in fact an “Operation Vijay” for Vijay

Kumar, before “Vijaya Dashimi”. The Tamil Nadu Special Task Force (STF)

Chief and Additional Director General of Police has been fortunate at

last to have led his men to put an end to the fiery life of Veerappan,

the poacher, killer, abductor; his activities have been described as

abominable crimes.

The operation aimed at nabbing the brigand is woven around ‘forest’,

Veerappan had poached in the forests of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu

many elephants for the sake of their tusks; smuggled huge quantity

of sandalwood and killed many foresters, policemen, and other civilians

in the jungles. He then resorted to kidnapping and extorted large sums

of money. The operation is aptly named after ‘Cocoon’ which is a ‘forest

produce’. The operation is the result of an excellent and efficient

intelligence organization of STF, who displayed sincerity of purpose,

dedication to duty and made an untiring effort to skillfully accomplish

the task of manhunt assigned to them. This great event puts an end to

the infamous career of the most dreaded and wanted criminal who

eluded the law for about two decades. It gives a great relief to many,

particularly the forest departments of the two states.

It is the same Veerappan who deceitfully lured the young Deputy

Conservator Srinivas into a trap and beheaded him mercilessly in 1991.

In commemoration of the death of Srinivas and many other foresters

who laid down their lives while performing their duty, Forest Martyrs

Day is observed on November, 10 every year.

24

The Police Departments in the country observed Police

Commemoration Week in honour of Policemen who died in harness

and a Smriti parade was held on October 22, 2004.

This is the first Martyrs Commemoration after the killer Veerappan

was shot dead in an encounter on October 18, 2004.

K.B.R

(Originally published as editorial in Vana Premi of November 2004)

25

FOREST MARTYRS DAY – 2005ON November 10, every year, all forest departments of the country

observe the Martyrs Day. This is similar to Police Commemoration held

in October in honour of policemen who laid down their lives while

performing their duty. November 10 is the day on which in 1991,

Pandillapalli Srinivas, an young lad hailing from a Telugu family of

Andhra Pradesh and a bright and promising officer of 1979 batch of

Indian Forest Service borne on Karnataka cadre, was deceitfully lured

into a trap and beheaded by the forest brigand Veerappan. Many more

persons including forest employees, policemen and others fell victims

of the murderous designs of the most wanted criminal Veerappan;

notable among them are Sub-Inspector Shakeel Ahmad and

Superintendent of Police T. Harikrishnan.

Dy.C.F. Srinivas was called back from U.S.A. and was made head of

operations to catch Veerappan. In fact, he did arrest Veerappan once

but the brigand managed to escape. Srinivas had undertaken a

number of welfare measures in the area which endeared him to the

people. Srinivas persuaded the villagers to give up smuggling and

violence; he hoped to reform villagers to follow the path of

righteousness and he almost succeeded. Irked by the popularity of

Srinivas, Veerappan conned him into a death trap.

Srinivas was a “karma yogi”, and he always believed, work is worship.

The Government of India posthumously awarded in 1992, Kirti Chakra,

the highest civilian award for gallantry. His mother Smt. Jayalakshmi

was declared “Veera Matha” and was honoured by the President R.

Venkatraman at a defence investiture ceremony at Rashtrapathi

Bhavan in 1992.

26

A road in Rajahmundry, the birth place of Srinivas, is named after him.

A colony of houses built for forest staff in Chikmagalur in Karnataka

State is also named after the late Srinivas.

Between 1992 and 2002 in Andhra Pradesh, 6 Forest Watchers (A.B.Os),

8 Forest Guards (F.B.Os.), 4 Foresters (F.S.Os), 1 Deputy Ranger and 2

Forest Rangers, in all 21 persons, were killed while they were

performing their legitimate duties. These 21 noble men have left

behind a glorious example of their dedication to the cause of forestry,

devotion to duty and courage in the face of adversity and have thus

become martyrs.

On February 15, 2002, D.F.O. Sanjay Kumar Singh of Shahabad division

in Rohtas district of Bihar State was abducted and later killed. He was

said to be a dutiful, honest, dedicated and very courageous man. It

remains a mystery whether the officer was killed by naxalites or forest

mafia.There may have been many more instances of martyrdom.

A Memorial is constructed (rightly and deservingly in honour of the

Forest Martyrs of Andhra Pradesh) at the Nehru Zoological Park at

Hyderabad. On commemoration day i.e. November 10, let us salute

the brave foresters who laid down their lives for the cause of forestry;

in fact, they gave their ‘today’ for our better ‘tomorrow’. Let us pray

God for the noble souls to rest in peace.

K.B.R.

(Published originally as an editorial in the Vana Premi of November

2005)

27

FOREST MARTYRS DAY – 2006

Koose Muniswamy Veerappan (otherwise known as sandalwood

smuggler Veerappan) was an infamous brigand and had operated in

an area of about 6,000 sq. kms. of forests in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and

Kerala States. He had taken to crime at a very young age. He is said to

have killed about 200 elephants for ivory worth U.S. dollars 2,600. He

had smuggled about 10,000 tons of sandalwood worth U.S. dollars

22,600.

Strong teams of police struggled at a huge cost for over a decade to

capture him. Veerappan was responsible for killing over 124 people -

senior police and forest officers and informers as well. The killing spree

started in the year 1987 when forest officer V. Chidambaram of

Sathyamangalam Range was killed. In the same year, F.G. M.

Duraiswamy and F.W. Subramaniam were also killed by him. Dy.C.F. P.

Srinivas, IFS of Karnataka cadre was despitefully lured into a trap and

was mercilessly beheaded in 1991. Among the notable police officers

killed by Veerappan in 1992 are: Hari Krishna, IPS, and Shakeel Ahmad.

The brigand was shot dead by police team under the leadership of

Addl. DGP K. Vijaya Kumar in 2004. November 10, the day on which

Dy.C.F. Srinivas was killed (15 years ago) is observed as the Forest

Martyrs Day through out the country. In Andhra Pradesh alone 23 forest

officers have been killed and many more have been criminally

assaulted.

On this solemn occasion let us pray to God for the noble souls to rest

in peace. Let us protect the forests, come what may. May God help us

in the great task.

K.B.R.

(Originally published as editorial in the Vana Premi of November 2006)

28

FOREST MARTYS DAY – 2007

On November 10 every year all the forest departments in the country

commemorate the Forest Martyrs Day in honour of the brave foresters

who sacrificed their lives while performing their duty. The task of a

forester, particularly those in charge of forest and wildlife protection,

has become difficult. Hostility against the forest personnel is on

increase. Smuggling of timber, poaching of wild animals and

encroaching upon the forest lands are on increase. Offenders commit

their illegal activity and assault on the forest staff in large number.

Forest Staff cannot cope with such assault. The assailants not only

commit forest offences, they also indulge in criminal assault on the

forest staff, when their design to cause damage to the forest is resisted;

some times they commit heinous crimes resulting in death.

The notorious forest brigand Veerappan had an organized gang of

smugglers and he is responsible for several murders including

merciless killing in 1991, of a young IFS officer, the late Srinivas.

Forest protection these days has become difficult particularly in the

wake of senseless activities of some politicians who encourage illegal

encroachment of forest lands. This is the day on which we all pay our

respectful homage to those brave soldiers who lost their lives while

performing their duties. May God the Almighty rest the noble souls in

peace!

K.B.R.

(Published originally as editorial in the Vana Premi of November 2007)

29

FOREST MARTYRS DAY – 2008

We observe ‘Forest Martyrs Day’ on November 10 every year in

commemoration of the sacrifice made by the heroes who espoused

the noble cause of preserving the forest wealth. On this day we cannot

help but remember Pandillapalli Srinivas, a brave and lively young

officer (born of Telugu Mother) borne on Karnataka cadre of the Indian

Forest Service (1979) for his supreme sacrifice. As a true forester he

took upon himself the major and the most difficult task of curbing

illegal activities of killing elephants and smuggling tusks and

sandalwood by Veerappan. In the task before him, he was confronted

with the problem of arresting the brigand Veerappan. He did succeed

in arresting the poacher-turned smuggler in 1986. But Veerappan

made good his escape from a Forest Guest House, where he was kept

under custody.

In 1990, the brigand ambushed and mowed down three sub-

inspectors of police and a constable. Realising the gravity of the

menace, a Special Task Force (STF) was formed jointly by the

Governments of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Srinivas, who was

attending a course in the U.S., was called back and assigned the duty

of heading the STF.

Srinivas made an assessment of the situation. He found that Veerappan

was not only a criminal but was also regarded and respected as a

Robinhood because of his rob-the-rich and feed-the poor policy.

Srinivas therefore adopted a counter-policy of helping the poor by all

means and reforming them. He almost succeeded in his plans and

won the hearts of many. The popularity of Srinivas generated ill-will

and jealousy in Veerappan. He hatched a plan to get rid of Srinivas

30

and sent a messenger to Srinivas expressing his desire to surrender

and therefore wanted to meet him on a condition that he goes alone

to a particular place. Srinivas believed his words and set out alone on

November 9, 1991 to meet Veerappan. Srinivas was tortured and

beheaded. The decapitated body was found on November 10 at a place

called Bric John Valley. This is how Srinivas was brutally killed by

Veerappan. Srinivas was posthumously awarded “KIRTI CHAKRA” and

his mother Smt. Jayalakshmi was honoured as “VEERA MATHA” by

President R. Venkatraman. Srinivas was a Karmayogi and believed in

Nishkama Karma.

In memory of Srinivas and in the memory of all those who sacrificed

their lives in carrying out their duty FOREST MARTYRS DAY is observed

with all solemnity. In Andhra Pradesh State also many foresters, duty

bound as they are, have died in harness. With a view to perpetuate

their honesty and commitment, a regular feature in VANA PREMI under

the heading – ROLL OF HONOUR – is being published. We wish to

bring out a small volume containing their heroic deeds. All the forest

officers in the state - particularly the Range Officers and the Divisional

Forest Officers - are requested to furnish more information of the

heroes of yester years with their pass-port size photograph to the

Editor, Vana Premi. It may be worthwhile if such compilation is made

in all the states of the country. Let us all pray to God together to rest

the noble souls in peace!

K.B.R.

(Published originally as editorial in the Vana Premi of November 2008)

31

FOREST MARTRS DAY - 2009

In our country, the Forest Department was established in the year 1864

and an Inspector General of Forests (I.G.F.) was appointed to work

directly under the Government of India. This was necessary to stop

the denudation of forests. Dr. Brandis was the first I.G.F. He realized the

need for a separate Forest Act for the effective protection and

management of the forests. The Indian Forest Act 1865 was the first

attempt of legislation relating to forests in India. The local Governments

were empowered to draft rules for management and enforcement in

their regions. Steps were taken accordingly to prevent acts which

caused injury to the forests. All the areas under the British Government

had either extended the Indian Forest Act to their territories or brought

out their own special Acts. Madras Government enacted a separate

Act known as the Madras Forest Act in the year 1882. In the Nizam’s

Dominion, Forest Act was enacted in the year 1310 Fasli (1900 A.D.).

Prior to 1864, the population of India was much less and area under

forest was large which included private forests and forests on

Government lands. There was no gap between demand and supply.

The population of our country was slowly increasing and forest lands

were shrinking. This is due to clearance of jungle for agricultural and

other purposes. Demand for forest produce increased. Protection of

forest has become difficult. Attacks on the forest officers by the

smugglers of timber and poachers became common. Organized gangs

of smugglers and poachers came into existence who are having

sophisticated weapons and fast moving vehicles.

32

In Karnataka Sri Pandillapalli Srinivas, an IFS officer borne on Karnataka

cadre was brutally murdered by the brigand Veerappan on 10th

November 1991. Veerappan was a smuggler of ivory and sandalwood.

Martyrs Day is observed on 10th day of November. In Andhra Pradesh

also 26 brave and duty bound forest employees sacrificed their lives.

They gave up their today for our better tomorrow. We salute all such

martyrs who sacrificed their lives while discharging their duties in

protecting the forests, wildlife and environment.

Forest Martyrs Day is observed every year through out the country.

We remember the martyrs on that day and they are then forgotten.

Forest Officers who have been working in very difficult conditions in

the interior forest areas have been laying down their lives protecting

the precious national wealth and the environment. While we observe

the Forest Martyrs Day it should be our responsibility to see that we

take due care of the families of those who sacrificed their lives. It is

also our foremost responsibility to give suitable employment to the

dependents of the deceased. We should keep helping the families on

a continuous basis. A senior officer of the Forest Department must be

made to look after the welfare programme and review the progress

periodically. The department should also set up a corpus fund to meet

the educational requirements of the children of the bereaved families

including giving out prizes / scholarships to the meritorious wards.

The Forest Department was created about 146 years ago but till today

the same old system of protection is being followed though every

thing has changed during this period. While the smugglers and

poachers are using sophisticated weapons and fast moving vehicles,

33

the protection staff is patrolling the forests on foot. There is an urgent

need to change this system of protection. The Forest Department

should submit proposals to the Government after discussing this issue

with all the sections of the society to protect effectively our forest,

wildlife and environment for survival of mankind. This change in the

protection system will save the precious lives of our officers and staff.

Let us hope in near future some positive change will be seen in the

protection system of the forests which is the precious national wealth.

Q.M.K.

(Published originally as editorial in the Vana Premi of November 2009)

34

FOREST MARTYRS DAY – 2010

In our country we observe Forest Martyrs Day on 10th November every

year to remember our brothers who gave up their today for our better

tomorrow. Sri Pandillapalli Srinivas of Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh,

who was allotted to Karnataka State, was beheaded on the night of

9th November. P. Srinivas joined the Indian Forest Service in 1979. He

started his career as Assistant Conservator of Forests at Chamarajnagar

in Kollegal taluk of Karnataka State. Gopinatham, the native village of

Veerappan was in his jurisdiction. Srinivas made efforts to curb illegal

activities such as killing elephants and smuggling of ivory and

sandalwood. This brought him into direct conflict with Veerappan.

Srinivas managed to catch Veerappan alive in 1986, but the brigand

escaped from police custody at Boodipada Forest Guest House, where

he was held.

After his promotion as Deputy Conservator of Forests, Srinivas built a

wireless network in the forest, stepped up vigilance. In April 1990, the

brigand ambushed and mowed down three Sub-Inspectors and a

Constable who were hot on his trail. Jolted by the incident, Karnataka

and Tamil Nadu Governments formed a Special Task Force (STF) to

hunt for the brigand. Srinivas, who was undergoing a training course

in USA was recalled and was asked to head the STF in May 1990. The

forest officer soon initiated several measures to isolate and make life

of the bandit difficult.

Srinivas believed in non-violence and wanted Veerappan to shun

criminal activity and join the main stream. Srinivas hoped to reform

the bandit by influencing local villagers not to cooperate with him.

He became friendly with the tribals and won their confidence through

his amiable ways. Veerappan decided to kill Srinivas, as he was

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becoming increasingly popular in the villages. On the evening of

November 9, 1991, Veerappan sent word through his brother Arjun

that he would like to surrender at a farm-house. When Srinivas arrived

there, the brigand caught and beheaded him at Eric John Valley, a short

distance away from Gopinatham village.

The headless torso of Srinivas was found on November 10. The

Government of India posthumously awarded “Kirti Chakra”, the highest

civilian award for gallantry, to Srinivas. The Forest Departments observe

November 10 as Forest Martyrs Day. His mother Smt. Jayalakshmi was

declared “Veera Matha” and was honoured by the then President R.

Venkakatraman at a Defence Investiture Ceremony in Rashtrapati

Bhavan in 1992.

We salute, pay rich homage and heartfelt tributes to martyrs who

sacrificed their lives while protecting the forests, wildlife and

environment.

Q.M.K.

(Published originally as editorial in Vana Premi of November 2010)

36

FOREST MARTYRS DAY – 2011

The dictionary meaning of the word, ‘martyr’ is “a person who is put to

death for refusing to renounce a faith or belief”. Or “a person who has

sacrificed his life.” In our State, 29 forest personnel have sacrificed their

lives while on duty protecting forest, wildlife and environment.

On 9th November 1991 Sri P. Srinivas, an Indian Forest Service Officer

of Karnataka cadre of 1979 batch, and a native of Rajahmundry of

Andhra Pradesh, was beheaded by the dreaded Sandalwood smuggler,

poacher, villain and forest brigand Veerappan. Only the headless body

of Srinivas was recovered on 10th November 1991. Since then in

memory of slain forester, November 10, has become “Forest Martyrs

Day” to pay homage to the departed brethren who sacrificed their

today for our better tomorrow.

Veerappan was born in a poor family in the area surrounded by forest.

He began his career as a killer of elephants for smuggling ivory. He

shot his first elephant at the age of 14. Then he turned to sandalwood

smuggling. He could reproduce a range of sounds of various wild

animals, including the birds of the jungle which helped him in passing

off the signals to his followers.

At one time, he lead a group of landless labourers to take over several

hundred acres of reserved forest, clear them of trees and use the land

for cultivating agricultural crops. He was wanted for killing 184 people,

including senior police and forest officials, poaching about 200

elephants and smuggling ivory and sandalwood of about 10,000 tons

worth crores of rupees. He was caught by Srinivas, but unfortunately

the brigand escaped from police custody at Boodipada Forest Guest

37

House where he was kept. Finally on 18th October 2004, at 10.50 p.m.

following a tip off, Veerappan and his two associates were killed by

the Tamil Nadu State Special Task Force headed by Mr. Vijay Kumar

near the village of Papparapatti in Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu.

He had a reward of Rs. 5 crore on his head, and yet he evaded arrest for

two decades.

Unfortunately there was a legal battle in the family of the late Srinivas

and till May 3, 2011, no compensation or any other monetary benefits

could be paid to the legal heirs of Srinivas. Considering the

assassination of Srinivas, as a special case, the Karnataka Government

through a notification dated March 18, 2004 had ordered a monthly

payment of Rs. 4,075/- equal to the last drawn salary by Srinivas to his

mother till his retirement date of August 31, 2013 or till his mother is

alive (Which ever is earlier). Accordingly a cheque for Rs. 33.82 lakh

was given to his mother Smt. Jayalakshmi, as arrears revising the last

pay drawn by him from time to time from November 10, 1991 to

December 31, 2010, and a Bangalore Development Authority site

measuring 60 x 40 ft. on 4th May 2011 was allotted. On the occasion,

father and sister of Srinivas were present. “He conned my son into

entering a death trap. Now that the bandit is dead, my son’s soul will

rest in peace” was the reaction of Sri P. Ananth Rao, father of the late

Srinivas. A highly respected Srinivas was posthumously awarded Kirti

Chakra in 1992. A road in Rajahmundry and a colony of houses built

by Srinivas for the forest staff in Chickmagalur were named after him.

Vana Premi requests the Government of Andhra Pradesh and Forest

Department to name a street, road or a colony of the department in

the native villages of the Forest Martyrs and a plot of 200 sq.yds. may

38

be sanctioned to the legal heirs of the Martyrs. Concerned Associations

may take up this issue with the Government.

We pay rich tributes to all the brave soldiers who laid down their lives

while protecting forest, wildlife and environment. We salute all the

Forest Martyrs of the country who sacrificed their today for our better

tomorrow.

Q.M.K.

(Published originally as editorial in the Vana Premi of November 2011.)

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FOREST MARTYRS DAY - 2012

In our country every year 10th November is observed as Forest Martyrs

Day. It was on this day that the Deputy Conservator of Forests Sri

Pandillapally Srinivas, an IFS officer of Karnataka cadre, was killed in

1991 at Namadalli forest in Kollegal, taluq of Chamrajnagar district by

a poacher, smuggler and brigand, Veerappan. Sri P. Srinivas was a native

of a village by name Kotapally near Rajamundry in E.Godavari district

of Andhra Pradesh. He was posted as Special Officer in the Special

Task Force (STF) set up jointly by both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka

Governments to nab the notorious poacher Veerappan. He was

brutally hacked to death by Veerappan in a ruse on the night of

November 10, when Mr Srinivas went to Satyamangalam Forest areas

from Gopinatham village. A respected and duty minded officer was

recalled from foreign country where he was undergoing training, to

be posted as Special Officer in the STF. Srinivas was awarded Kirti

Chakra posthumously in 1992. Since then, in the memory of the slain

forester, November 10 has become Forest Martyrs Day. The Forest

Department of A.P has lost 30 of its brave foresters while discharging

their duty

Forests are a treasure house of tranquillity, a symbol of integrity, source

of diversity and a place of unity. We can find plenty of flora, and fauna,

living together with abounding love in the forest. Mixed fragrance,

pure air, healthy trees, roaring streams, descending falls and moving

wild animals make the forest a lively playground of peace. Above all,

its serene presence always leads one into a celestial experience of all

who enter in, and experience it.

40

Forests always stand for human welfare and benefit. Everything found

in the forest is used by human beings for sustaining their lives. Flowers,

fruits, roots, leaves, grass, stem, and seeds, everything is used by human

beings and animals including the oxygen which trees produce for us.

But the question persists, as to why human beings are concentrating

on cutting trees, and destroying their lives? Trees have life by

themselves; they too have a right to live, bloom, and grow. How

unethical is the human attitude therefore towards trees in the forests.

Human atrocities over nature have increased. Consequently, both

human beings and the earth have become ill and are suffering. Climate

change is one of the worst effects in this regard. When the Tsunami

devastated South Asia in 2004, the major reason found for the damage

was, the eradication of mangrove forests in the sea shore area. Now

the Government is planting mangroves. If we grow trees we will get

good rain. We will be saved from the ravages of tsunami and thus save

the world from climate change. When we enjoy forests and its

resources we should always remember our responsibility of caring for

forests and pass it on to the coming generations, inviting them to

express their solidarity with us in this noble mission.

The forest department was created in our country in the year 1864 to

protect our forest, which was disappearing fast due to increasing

population. Staff was recruited from our society to man this

department, and they were strenuously and vigorously trained to

protect, manage and improve the condition of forests for the benefit

of the entire society. The work of a forester starts from a point where

civilization ends. They have to work in remote and interior areas which

have no medical facilities for themselves or their family. No good

educational facilities are available in the interior areas for their children.

41

There are no housing facilities and no entertainment for them and

their families. Yet the staff of the forest department is found to be

discharging their duties with a strong sense of courage, discipline and

commitment to their work, least mindful of the hardships which they

and their families have to endure in this process.

However it is sad to note that those who guard our forests which are

essential for our survival are made victims of heinous crimes by those

unsocial elements of society who ruthlessly butcher them for

pecuniary gains.

It is also generally observed that in all other Government Departments

agricultural lands, agricultural implements, house sites, rice, grains, oils,

clothes, electricity and many other things, are distributed free of cost

or at subsidised rates by government officers to become popular

among the public. But a forester says no to everything because he is

employed to protect the forest produce. Even entering into the forest

is an offence and prohibited under the Act. Hence no forester can

permit anybody to take anything from the forest and thus he becomes

the enemy of all.

If there are no forests there is no Oxygen, if there are no forests there

will be more of Carbon dioxide, if there are no forests there will be no

water. Imagine this situation and tell me how life can continue on this

planet. This clearly means that without forests no living organism can

survive including human beings. The profession of a forester is next

to that of a soldier, a teacher, and a doctor. The members of our society

should realise this, and protect not only the forests but also the

protectors of the forest, who are working to ensure a healthy and better

life for all of us living on this planet.

42

Words cannot compensate for the sacrifices that have been made. This

is a humble tribute to the lives that have been lost and on behalf of all

the readers of Vana Premi I would like to conclude with the following

couplet.

Hazaron Salam Un Bahadur Jungle Ke Rakhwalon Ke Liye

Jinho Ne Di Qurbani Apni Jaan Ki Hamari Zindagani Ke Liye.

QMK

(Published as a Editorial in Vana Premi of November - 2012)

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III. BRIEF SKETCH ON FOREST MARTYRS:

1. Ahmad Mohiuddin, Forest Section Officer, Kaghaznagar

division:

For a land-hungry man land is required for livelihood. If the land is in

a reserved forest and there is an attempt to clear the growth for

cultivation, it constitutes a forest offence. Prevention of encroachment

and punishing an encroacher is an important duty; but some times it

is fraught with danger of risking one’s life. Encroachment problem in

early 1960s had assumed monstrous proportions in several districts

and more so in Adilabad district.

Ahmad Mohiuddin was a Section Officer of Gudem Section in Bijjur

Range of the erstwhile Asifabad division, on the banks of Pranahitha

river which constitutes the boundary of the State. He was working

there for several years. He found one Katela Bakkodu, who was already

in occupation of about five acres of forest land, has been expanding

his limits by girdling trees along the periphery of the cultivated patch,

burn them when they are dry and then extend the cultivation.

Ahmad Mohiuddin, who was accosted by his friends and colleagues

as ‘Bade Bhai’ (Big Brother), warned the encroacher not to extend his

cultivation. As a precautionary measure, he marked the trees around

the already cultivated area, with serial number so as to identify the

missing trees when they are felled and destroyed. Katela Bakkodu bore

a grudge against the forester for the warning he gave and hatched a

plan to get rid of him.

The plan conceived by Katela Bakkodu was to give the Forester a false

information of large scale illicit felling in the reserved forest with a

promise to show him the scene of fellings. He was sure that the Forester

44

would believe him. And when they go into the forest, his plan was to

kill him by hitting him hard at a sensitive part of the body. With the

plan Bakkodu took his younger brother along with him and walked

into the forest while Ahmad Mohiuddin followed them. The Forester

was made to walk in the forest from morning till evening with no trace

of illicit fellings. When he was tired and was negotiating a stream bank

to get into the stream-bed, he was hit by an axe on the head at the

temple. The Forester said “Allah! Mai margaya” and fell in the stream

which was dry.

The Forester was thus missing and was not found in the village for the

the last three or four days. The Police Patel of the village made a ‘man

missing report’ to the police. The Police Patel continued his effort to

find the clues for the missing forester and made intelligent inquiries

and concluded that killing must have been made by Bakkodu. The

culprit made a clean confession before the police, forest personnel

and other villagers. At his instance the body was traced in a stream

but it was mutilated and putrefied. The body was identified by his

footwear, clothes and the seizing hammer buried in sand.

The Sub-Inspector did not investigate the case properly and therefore

the Superintendent of Police of Adilabad district ordered

reinvestigation. An Inspector from the district headquarters deputed

for the purpose made strenuous effort to establish the case against

the two brothers. But because of the delay in detection, the crime could

not be established against the culprits.

Ahmad Mohiuddin lost his life while performing his duty to prevent

encroachment and the Forest Department lost a sincere and honest

subordinate officer. The staff of the Range by donations supported

the family of the deceased for a few months.

(Published in Vana Premi of July 2008)

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2. Sheikh Ali, Attender, Medak division

Lack of basic amenities, like electricity in a place which is a taluk

headquarters and Forest Range headquarters, leads not only to

inconvenience, injuries and accidents but also even to death.

Narsapur forests in Medak district are said to be once part of Paigah

of Viqar-ul-Umra and they were administered by a Superintendent of

Forests (Mohatameem Janglath). The forests were taken over under

the Hyderabad (Abolition of Jagirs) Regulation, 1358 Fasli (1948 A.D.).

There were no buildings of the ex-jagir forest department. There is

however an area of 2.5 Acs beside the Hyderabad-Medak road. There

was an old Forest Guard’s quarter which was being used as office of

the Range Officer; and a residential quarter was constructed in or about

the year 1960-61, which was occupied by the Range Officer. Both the

buildings had no electricity.

The attender on the establishment of Narsapur Range was one Sri

Sheikh Ali – a very obedient and highly disciplined employee. Under

the instructions of the Range Officer, Sheikh Ali went to bazaar one

evening to get a petromax light on hire as it was needed to compile

data during the night and send report to the division office urgently

the next morning. Sheikh Ali, having gone to the particular shop, was

waiting for the petromax as it was being lit. The shop-keeper was

pumping air into the petromax when unexpectedly and all of a sudden

the burner with flames fell on Sheikh Ali. He was soon enveloped in

flames and the whole body got charred in no time. The local

Government doctor gave first aid and advised to shift the victim of

burns to Osmania General Hospital at Hyderabad immediately. He

opined that it is a case of ‘spontaneous human combustion’ with third

degree burns.

46

The Range Officer personally rushed him to the Osmania General

Hospital where the doctors on duty admitted him as a case of

emergency and did their best to put him on oxygen and give him

intravenous fluids. But alas! Sheikh Ali passed away past midnight

while the Range Officer was sobbing helplessly by his bed-side. This

accident and the resultant death occurred around 1965.

Sheikh Ali has thus become a martyr. His family was supported by

generous contributions from the staff of Narsapur Range for a few

years until his minor son attained majority and started earning.

(Published in Vana Premi of August 2008)

3. V. Ashirvadam, F.B.O., Vijayawada Range, Krishna district.

Sri Ashirvadam was a disciplined Forest Guard and

an obedient worker of the Forest Department. He

succumbed to the injuries inflicted on him by the

smugglers on 19.06.1982 by tricking him to go

with them. The facts relating to his gruesome

murder are as follows:

Ashirvadam was working as Forest Beat Officer at Gottimukkala under

Vijayawada Range of erstwhile Eluru division. A lorry, bearing No. APK

3559 carrying teak timber was seized by the Range Officer, Vijayawada

on 18.06.1982 at Nandigama. The seized lorry was entrusted to

Ashirvadam and he was instructed to get the lorry to Vijayawada.

Sri Gudapati Brahmeswara Rao, Maistry was with Ashirvadam to assist

him in the errand. Both of them waited at Nandigama where the lorry

was seized, as the lorry was being repaired. It was late night by the

time the vehicle was repaired; but the driver and the cleaner pretended

47

that the lorry still needed some more repairs.

Having no other choice Ashirvadam and the Maistry kept the vehicle

under their watch during the night. In the meantime, another lorry

came and the Forest Guard was whisked away on the pretext of going

to the centre. The seized lorry was started and it moved towards

Suryapet. The Maistry sitting in the lorry went up to Suryapet. Scared

with the foul play of the driver and the cleaner of the lorry, the Maistry

ran away from them and reached Nandigama by another lorry. At

Nandigama, the Maistry found to his horror that Ashirvadam was

mercilessly beaten and he was heavily bleeding due to severe injuries

sustained by him. Ashirvadam was taken to hospital where he was

declared dead. The post-mortem report disclosed that Ashirvadam

died of hemorrhage and shock due to multiple fractures during the

early hours of June 19, 1982.

The late Ashirvadam’s son Sri V. Dharma Rao was appointed on

compassionate grounds as a Forest Guard in Polavaram Range to be

able to support the bereaved family.

(Previously published in Vana Premi of March 2011)

4. Mohd. Akbar Ali, Forest Section Officer, Kamareddy division.

Sri Mohd. Akbar Ali was born on September 8, 1945.

After passing the S.S.C. examination, he was

appointed as Forester on November 15, 1966 in

Kamareddy division. He underwent the Forester’s

training course during 1973-74. He was

affectionately called by his peers and bosses as

‘Akbar’.

48

Akbar Ali worked successfully as Forester in charge of Kalwaral and

Sirikonda sections to the utmost satisfaction of his superiors. Forest

Protection at any cost was his forte. Reddipet section of Kamareddy

Range earned notoriety for smuggling of timber with the support of

naxalites. The section was without any incumbent as every one posted

to the section was scared to work there and who ever was posted was

not willing to join – reason, it was naxalite infested area and the

naxalites were not allowing forest personnel to discharge their duty.

With the backing of the unlawful elements, smugglers of timber

stepped up their nefarious activity.

To set right the situation and to put down the pilferage of timber, a

young and energetic forester was needed and the choice fell on Mohd.

Akbar Ali. He took up his posting as a challenge and joined duty as

Section Officer, Reddipet section. He worked with zeal and fervour.

Because of his sincere and hard work, the situation was brought under

control. True to his name, he proved himself to be ‘Great’. But

unfortunately, the smugglers hatched a conspiracy to get rid of him

with the help of naxalites when he detected an offence and seized a

bullock cart as a matter of course.

On March 9, 1984, Akbar seized a bullock cart loaded with teak timber

illicitly removed from the reserved forest. Two days after the seizure,

the extremists wanted the cart to be released. Akbar refused stoutly

to oblige. An unlawful assembly was formed with a common intention

of harming the forester and a group of extremists attacked the Forester

with arms and brutally killed him in the broad day light at his official

residence in Ramareddy village. Akbar died a heroic death and the

merciless killing has put an end to his life and career.

Sri Mohd. Akbar Ali is survived by his widow and three children. The

Government was pleased to order his funeral to be performed with

49

State Honours and announced package of payments of full salary to

the bereaved family till the age of his superannuation had he been

alive.

It is understood that the family of this brave lad is not able to meet its

needs within the meager family pension. The family is in need of succor

and employment to his son.

(Published in the Vana Premi of December 2009.)

5. K. Padma Rao, Forest Beat Officer, Karimnagar East division

Sri Kunamalla Padma Rao, Forest Beat Officer of

Shatrjpally beat, Bhopalpally East Range had

hardly put in service of three years in the Forest

Department, when he fell victim to a brutal attack

by smugglers of timber with the support of

naxalites in Tadicharla forest. Not only Padma Rao

was killed by the brutal attack, two other persons

who went on his request to assist him, were also mercilessly beaten

up. They both sustained severe injuries and later succumbed to the

injuries

Sri K. Padma Rao was appointed as Forest Guard on November 7, 1981

in Karimnagar East division and postrd to Mallampally beat, where

smuggling of timber from the reserved forest was rampant. There were

also a number of cases of encroachment on the forest lands. It goes to

the credit of Padma Rao that he succeeded in a short period in

preventing illicit felling of trees and in putting down the smuggling

of timber. He was also responsible in preventing encroachments in

forest areas. In forest lands where forest growth was cleared for

50

cultivation Padma Rao raised plantations.

On credible information, Padma Rao set out along with two other

persons on the intervening night of 7th and 8th October 1984 to

apprehend smugglers of timber. The smugglers and naxalites were in

large number, criminally assaulted the Beat Officer with axes and killed

him. They also beat up the other two persons accompanying the F.B.O.

and as a result of the beating, the two persons also got killed. The dead

bodies were found in a farm land of Tadicharla village.

Sri Padma Rao was a man of exceptional courage and was highly

disciplined. He discharged his duties honestly and sincerely. He

sacrificed his life for the cause of forest protection and attained

martyrdom.

(Published in Vana Premi of January 2010)

6. G. Narsa Reddy, Forest Range Officer, Nirmal division

Naxalites operating in dense forests cause

obstruction to forest functionaries in performing

their duties. They also resort to harming the forest

staff by physical injuries and some times even

killing them recklessly.

Sri G. Narsa Reddy, Forest Range Officer of Pembi

Range in Nirmal division, Adilabad district is one

such victim of naxalites.

On January 25, 1987, Narsa Reddy did his job of forest inspection during

the day and in the evening he proceeded to a nearby village Shetpally

where he engaged himself in a gathering of villagers and trying to tell

them how dangerous has become the life of foresters. While the

conversation was going on with the group of villagers, naxalites

51

suddenly appeared on the scene and started firing with arms at them

indiscriminately. While all others escaped, Narsa Reddy alone became

a victim of the bullet that killed him instantly. A crime of murder was

registered at Khanapur Police Station.

Narsa Reddy was recruited as a Forester and by his hard work and

sincerity rose to the rank of Ranger. He was always conscious of his

duties and performed well in the department.

Smt. Gangavva, widow of the late Narsa Reddy, was given the usual

benefits of ex-gratia amount and payment of his salary till the normal

date of his superannuation. His son Sri Jaipal Reddy was appointed as

Forester in 1988 on compassionate grounds under the orders of the

Government.

(Published in Vana Premi of December 2008)

7. Solomon Raju, Forest Beat Officer, Kothagudem division

Forest Protection has lately become a tough and

risky job for the protective staff of the Forest

Department. Poor staff, unarmed, often without

public cooperation, is criminally assaulted while

performing their legitimate duty and get killed. The

following is a sad story of a young forest guard who

became a victim of an assault by a band of ruthless smugglers.

Sri Solomon Raju, a 48 year old Forest Guard, was in charge of Nagaram

beat of Bayyaram Range in Kothagudem division. He was working

there in that area since 06.11.1984. He was killed by timber smugglers

on the evening of November 11, 1987.

52

On 1.11.1987, Solomon Raju detected and booked a case of illicit

removal of timber from reserved forest in Pocharam village. For safe

custody of the seized timber, he organized transport of the seized

timber to the Government Timber Depot at Yellandu on 4.11.1987.

For that purpose, he engaged three bullock carts. With the help of the

cart-men and two other persons, namely Sagarla Buchaiah r/o

Kothapeta and Sri Challa Satyanarayana r/o Garla, the Forest Guard

set off to Yellandu. After covering a distance of 2 k.ms from Pocharam

village about 25 men, who were behind the smuggling of timber,

stopped the carts and unloaded the timber. The cart-men were asked

to leave the place along with their carts and bullocks. They left the

place accordingly. Then the smugglers brutally attacked the Forest

Guard and the two men accompanying him with lathis. As a result, the

three persons sustained severe injuries and later succumbed to the

injuries.

Solomon Raju was a disciplined subordinate conscious of his duties

of protecting the forest of his beat. Within a short period of service he

earned the reputation of being sincere and reliable subordinate. He is

survived by his wife and five children (Three sons and two daughters).

The eldest son is provided with a job in the Forest Department and

was appointed as Junior Assistant on 19.05.1988 in Kothagudem

division office.

Sri Solomon Raju laid down his life for a noble cause and attained

martyrdom.

(Published in Vana Premi of February 2010)

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8. Shaikh Hyder, Forest Beat Officer, Jannaram division

Forest Act and Wildlife (Protection) Act are the two

enactments for the protection and management of

forests and wildlife of the country. Forest Officers

are appointed for the purpose of carrying out the

provisions of these enactments. Detection and

reporting offences against the Acts are the most

important functions of a forest officer. In performing

these duties many forest officers have lost their lives as victims of

merciless killings and have become martyrs. We call such heroes as

Forest Martyrs. Here is an instance of a Forest Guard who was brutally

murdered as he made an attempt to prevent commission of forest

offence.

Sri Shaikh Hyder was a Forest Guard of Birsaipet Range of Jannaram

division in Adilabad district. He received reliable information that a

racket of smugglers is operating in his area and is preparing to illicitly

remove timber from the Government forest of Indanpally village. He

therefore went to the village and kept the suspects under surveillance

for a couple of days with the sole object of preventing the smuggling

of timber.

The smugglers thinking that the presence of the Forest Guard in the

village is a hindrance to their plan, entered into a conspiracy to do

away with him. In this racket of smugglers was a Registered Medical

Practitioner (R.M.P.) Dr. Kishan and five others. The Forest Guard was

found missing from the village. On intensive search, his body was found

floating in a well of Indanpally village. This must have been surely a

case of murder by Dr. Kishan and others.

54

In recognition of his services and for the sacrifice he made, the widow

of Sri Shaikh Hyder, Smt. Muneera Begum was paid an ex-gratia amount

of Rs. 1.0 lakh. She was also given all other benefits like payment of full

salary till the age of superannuation if he had been alive, family

pension, gratuity etc. From among the survivors, one adult son was

offered employment in the Forest Department. Sri Shaikh Badar, son

of the late Shaikh Hyder, was found fit for a field job and had the

necessary qualifications, so he was appointed as a Forest Guard in

Bellampally division.

(Published in Vana Premi of March 2010)

9. Syed Ghouse Mohiuddin, Forest Beat Officer, Adilabad

division

Some years ago, Naxalites started their nefarious

activity in the jungle areas of Andhra Pradesh. They

started killing certain category of people and

termed it as ‘Annihilation of Class Enemies’. That

brutality of mindless killing was also aimed at

innocent government employees, particularly

police and forest personnel and this created panic

among the forest staff that is stationed in remote and inhospitable

areas.

Indervelly has been a hot-spot for naxalites. It is also the headquarters

of Forest Range Officer. Muthnoor which is not far away from Indervelly

is the headquarters of a Beat Officer. Syed Ghouse Mohiuddin S/o Syed

Hyder was working as Forest Beat Officer at Muthnoor. He was sincere

and hard working subordinate. For doing his legitimate duty of

protecting forest committed to his beat, he was getting death threats

55

from the naxalites. Undaunted, the Beat Officer was performing his

duties in preventing forest offences and reporting cases whenever

breach of forest laws was detected by him in his jurisdiction. Naxalites

thought that the Beat Officer Mohiuddin is harassing people by

booking cases against them, and therefore they decided to do away

with him.

On the midnight of March 24, 1989, while Syed Ghouse Mohiuddin

was resting in his quarters after patrolling the forest during the day,

the naxalites knocked at his door and as he opened the door he was

dragged out of his residence and right in front of his wife fired three

bullets at him resulting in his instant death. It gave a rude shock and

grief to his wife and children.

The last rites were performed with forest honours. Alas! Forest

Department lost a brave and sincere subordinate.

(Published in Vana Premi of May 2010)

10. A. Kondal Rao, Forest Range Officer, Kaghaznagar division.

Sri A. Kondal Rao was a conscientious forester who

rose to the rank of Range Officer by dint of his hard

work and sincerity. In 1990 he was working as Range

Officer, Bijjur Range, Kaghaznagar division in

Adilabad district. He was very sensitive and caring

for forest protection wherever he worked.

On February 24, 1990, he along with his clerk and some field assistants

visited the division headquarters at Kaghaznagar, and sitting in a

department building was working on preparing some data for making

56

a report to the division office. In the meantime two intruders with guns

entered the room where Kondal Rao was working and fired at him at

point blank range. It was found that the intruders were naxalites as

revealed by the slogan shouting in telugu: “Idi Elkapally Debba” –

meaning this is the price the Range Officer is paying for his work at

Elkapally village.

On coming to know of the ghastly incident, the Divisional Forest Officer

rushed to the scene of crime and swiftly shifted the victim of the gun

shot to the E.S.I. Hospital, hardly at a distance of about 200 meters

away. But alas! Kondal Rao passed away in a short time.

The naxalites have been threatening Kondal Rao for some time stating

that he would be punished for his harshness with the people. He did

not care for the threats and went on carrying his normal functions.

A few days before Kondal Rao was shot to death, there was an offence

of encroachment in reserved forest at Elkapally village. Kondal Rao, in

response to call of duty, booked a case and prosecuted the offenders.

In retaliation, the extremists killed him mercilessly.

Kondal Rao was a disciplined officer, kind and cordial to his

subordinates and courteous to his superiors. He lost his life for a simple

reason for performing his duty and attained martyrdom. In the death

of Kondal Rao, the department has lost a sincere and disciplined officer.

(Published in Vana Premi of April 2011)

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11. M. Venkataramana, Forest Watcher, Chittoor East division

Among the non-executive forest employees,

some render service in giving secret information

to field staff leading to detection of forest offences,

some of them being offences of grave nature. One

such informant was Sri M. Venkataramana.

Venkataramana was working as Rest House

Watcher at Panapakam Forest Rest House. He

passed on useful information to field staff leading to important cases.

He used to zealously participate some times in the seizure of properties

involved in forest offences. The smugglers who bore grudge against

him were determined to wreak vengeance and finish him off.

On the night of April 6, 1990 while Venkataramana was sleeping in

the Forest Rest House at Panapakam, the assailants found, that was

the opportune moment and the killers stabbed him mercilessly at

many places. There was heavy bleeding and no one else was there to

arrange medical assistance. Poor Venkataramana succumbed to the

injuries.

The Government passed orders sanctioning the usual benefits to the

survivors of Venkataramana, of ex-gratia payment of Rs. One lakh;

payment of salary to the widow as admissible till the date of retirement

if he had been alive; payment of family pension and gratuity to the

widow and provision of employment to one of the survivors of the

family.

Sri Prasad Babu, son of the late Venkataramana, was offered the job of

attender in March 1991 in the division office of Chittoor East division.

But Prasad Babu resigned the job and took up employment with TTD

as Assistant Wireman.

(Published in Vana Premi of May 2011)

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12. V. Srihari, Forester (F.S.O.) , Warangal North division

Naxalites operating in the forests of the state have

no fixed political goals. They create law and order

problem in the rural areas. Poor and innocent

people are instigated to clear forest lands and

cultivate them. There are many instances when the

naxalites deter the forest staff in performing their

legitimate duties. If the staff does not heed to their

illegal demands, the hapless foresters have been criminally assaulted

and some times even brutally killed. The case of V. Srihari is a sad story

of the end of his life in similar circumstances.

Sri V. Srihari born on 07.04.1957 was appointed as a Forester in March

1990 in Warangal North division. He was deputed to work with the

Mobile Party at Mulug in Warangal North division. On his request that

he is facing threat to his life from naxalites, Srihari was transferred to

Guntur Social Forestry division. He was posted to Parencherla section

of Sattenapally Social Forestry Range. He was working peacefully at

his new station.

Srihari once visited his native village on a short leave. During his stay

in his native place, the extremists kidnapped him from the village and

killed him on 04.12.1990. There was no reason for the merciless killing.

The Government were kind to sanction ex-gratia payment of Rs. 1.00

lakh to the widow. The Government also ordered family pension,

gratuity etc. to the widow after the deemed date of superannuation.

Srihari served the department for a brief period and though he is not

in our midst, he is always remembered by his colleagues and friends

for the sacrifice he made.

(Published in Vana Premi of April 2010)

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13. Mohd. Sadiq Hussain, Forest Guard, Mancherial division

How dangerous is the life of a Forest Guard, who

works for most of the time in forest unguarded, is

depicted by the martyrdom reached by Mohd.

Sadiq Hussain. He was in the habit of performing

his duties in detecting and reporting forest

offences in addition to preventing the occurrence

of infractions. He was an honest and sincere

worker. He least suspected that his life would end at the hands of the

people against whom he reported cases.

It was the month of May 1991 when beedi leaf collection was at its

peak. He was in charge of Peddampet beat in Luxettipet Range. He

promptly checked the beedi leaf collection centres in his jurisdiction

and passed on the data on beedi leaf collection to his Range Officer.

The beedi leaf collection season was coming to a close.

On May 23, 1991, Sadiq Hussain left for the range headquarters to

deliver the progress reports of beedi leaf collection to the Range

Officer. He did so and was returning alone to Peddampet. Some

unknown persons kept themselves in wait and at about 07.30 p.m.

attacked him at a place called Gollakota Cross Road near Donabanda

village. During the attack, Sadiq Hussain sustained head injuries. There

was delay in arranging medical attention. He succumbed to the injuries

and passed away on June 6, 1991.

The family of the deceased Forest Beat Officer was sanctioned ex-gratia

amount and the widow was paid an amount equal to the last pay

drawn till the date of superannuation if he had been alive. Thereafter

family pension was sanctioned to the widow.

In the death of Sadiq Hussain, the Forest Department lost a disciplined

and duty conscious subordinate.

(Published in Vana Premi of June 2011)

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14. L. Raja Rao and 15. Sk. Kadar, Assistant Beat Officers,

Markapur division.

Forest Officers resort to arrest only on three

conditions when the offenders are likely to

abscond, or they have no fixed abode or they give

false names.

Markapur division forests are subject to smuggling

of timber by gangsters. They visit good timber

bearing forest areas in large numbers, fell trees, convert the felled trees

into logs and smuggle the timber by fast moving vehicles, carts and

even by head-loads. If protection staff try to apprehend them, the

smugglers do not hesitate to criminally assault them.

In September 1992, a raiding party of forest personnel of Markapur

division tried in vain to surround a good number of smugglers while

they were engaged in felling of trees but all of them took to heels and

they could apprehend only a few accused. These few accused were

also likely to abscond. They were therefore arrested and entrusted to

the two Asst. Beat Officers L. Raja Rao and Sk. Khadar while the party

went in search of the accused who ran away from the scene of felling.

The ABOs were escorting the arrested persons to the Range

headquarters so that they could be produced in the court on the

following day. One important aspect that has to borne in mind is to

see that the persons under arrest do not carry any lethal weapons.

While the Asst. Beat Officers were innocently escorting the arrested

persons, two of the accused took out their hidden axes and brutally

attacked the two A.B.Os. resulting in their instant death. In one case of

apprehending accused two innocent lives are lost.

(Published in Vana Premi of March 2009)

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16. M. Krishnaiah, Assistant Beat Officer (Forest Watcher).

Markapur division

Smuggling of timber from Nallamala forest hills has always been

rampant. Apprehending the smugglers red handed with limitedresources in interior jungles is a very risky job for the protection staffwhich often results in brutal attack by the smugglers and in severalinstances Forest Guard and Forest Watcher get killed. Killing of MarriKrishnaiah, Forest Watcher (A.B.O.) and others is one such tragedywhich went down in the annals of the Andhra Pradesh ForestDepartment as an instance of martyrdom.

Marri Krishnaiah S/o Pothaiah was born on July 1, 1936 in KothaSathralu village near Kavali in Nellore district. He was appointed asForest Watcher on June 12, 1962 and had put in service as such forabout 30 years.

Once it so happened that, on credible information about smugglingof timber, he took the help of two of his colleagues Sri L.Raja Rao andSri Sheikh Khadar and set out on the errand to apprehend thesmugglers. It was on September 29, 1992, the party reached Dornal –Srisailam road at about 05.30 p.m. When they noticed a cart loadedwith teak timber, they tried to stop the cart. The accused following thecart brutally killed the forest staff with axes and sticks until theysuccumbed to the injuries. The accused found that the foresters dead,they dragged the dead bodies into the jungle to one side of the roadat 4.5 k.m. stone on Srisailam – Dornal road and concealed them. Threevillagers of Jammi Dornal are suspected to be responsible for theheinous crime. The incident was brought to the notice of theauthorities by the local tribals.

Sri M. Krishnaiah is survived by his wife Smt. Lakshmamma and twodaughters. The Government granted to the widow an ex-gratia amountof Rs. 10,000/- in 1998.

(Published in Vana Premi of June 2010)

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17. C. Ramaiah, Forest Range Officer, Atmakur division

Good forests require good management; and

effective protection of forests is an essential

requisite of good management. Forests of

Atmakur division in Kurnool district are vulnerable

for smuggling of timber and other forest produce.

Lately criminal assaults and merciless killing of

forest employees have have become a common occurrence. Murder

of Sri C. Ramaiah, F.R.O. by armed extremists is a tragic event.

Sri C. Ramaiah was the Range Officer of Bairluty Range and had a good

record of rendering meritorious service in detecting several

sensational forest offence cases. The smugglers developed hatred for

him. They sought the help of armed extremists and requested them

to annihilate him as he was alleged to be oppressive. The extremists

found an opportune moment when Sri Ramaiah was working in his

office; they brutally killed him on June 20, 1994.

Sri Ramaiah was born on 24.06.1950 in a poor family and was first

appointed as Forester on 24.06.1971. When deputed for training to

Forest School at Yellandu, he won many medals.He was very hard

working and sincere to his duties. He was promoted to the rank of

Dy.R.O. on 08.10.1989. In both the ranks as Forester and Dy.R.O., for his

exemplary work and extraordinary performance of his duties, he was

awarded several cash awards.

Sri Ramaiah was promoted as F.R.O. on 25.06.1992 and he worked as

such with zeal and dedication until he was mercilessly killed. The life

and career of Sri Ramaiah has become a saga of devotion to duty and

sacrifice for the cause of forestry.

(Published in Vana Premi of November 2009)

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18. Mirza Taqui Ali Baig, Dy. Range Officer, Mancherial

division

Apprehending accused by subordinates on a short

notice has been a vexed problem; particularly in

the context when accused at their command havefast moving vehicles. Thanks to the Association ofJunior Forest Officers of Andhra Pradesh and thecourtesy of the Andhra Pradesh ForestDepartment, Banks have agreed to grant loans andhave granted loans to the protective staff on easy

installments. In that scheme many employees have been able toprovide themselves motor cycles. One of the beneficiaries of the

scheme was Taqui Ali Baig, Dy,R.O. of Mancherial Forest division.

Mirza Taqui Ali Baig was Deputy Range Officer, Nagampet section in

Neelwai Range Mancherial division in 1995. On reliable information,

he set out on his motor cycle on 11.06.1995 to detect a case of

smuggling of timber. He was riding the bike on Chennur – Neelvai

Road. The smugglers were clever and they anticipated the visit of the

Dy.R.O. to the scene of offence. They kept themselves in wait and

as he approached them they attacked him with axes. Baig succumbed

to the injuries.

Sri Mirza Taqui Ali Baig died a heroic death while on duty in his uniform

and his motor cycle by his side about 20 meters away, from his body.

He is remembered as a martyr who sacrificed his life for the protection

of the forests. Following the death of Sri Mirza Taqui Ali Baig all the

benefits those are due to the widow like ex-gratia amount, Group

Insurance amount, family pension etc. have been granted without

delay.

(Published in Vana Premi of July 2010)

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19. R. Laxminarayana, Assistant Beat Officer, Karimnagar West

division

Valuable trees in reserved forest are cut

indiscriminately by smugglers. Forest Officers

having come to know of the illegal cutting and

removal of timber, as a call of duty, have to

apprehend the culprits and report cases after

seizing the property. When the Section Officer, Beat

Officer or Asst. Beat Officer comprising the

protection staff tries to take cognizance of the forest offence, they are

overpowered, assaulted or even killed. This is what exactly happened

in the case of R. Laxminarayana, Asst. Beat Officer of Karimnagar West

division.

On credible information about smuggling of timber, at an odd hour,

Laxminarayana left his house and rushed to a place where the illicitly

cut teak timber was being transported in a bullock-cart. The Asst. Beat

Officer was alone and yet he ventured to seize the cart with timber.

The smugglers of the timber accompanying the bullock cart were in

large number and were armed with lathis and axes. The smugglers

attacked the Asst. Beat Officer with lathis and axes. And as a result, the

Asst. Beat Officer sustained severe injuries. He was immediately rushed

to a hospital. The treatment given to him in the hospital had good

effect on him and there were signs of recovery. But unfortunately, he

succumbed to the injuries after 15 days in the hospital on September

9, 1996.

The Government was pleased to sanction to the widow ex-gratia

amount, and salary equal to the last drawn pay till the date of

superannuation. Laxminarayana has left a good example of devotion

to duty and in that he sacrificed his life.

(Published in Vana Premi of January 2012)

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20. Ch.Narahari, Forest Beat Officer, Karimnagar West division

Prevention of forest offences is a duty cast on every

forest officer. This is possible in ordinary

circumstances by intensive patrolling and keeping

vigil. Forest area being vast and spread over

extensive area, prevention is possible by

intensifying detection and reporting cases of

infraction of Forest Act and Wildlife Protection Act.

These duties of foresters are fraught with danger of criminal assault

by unscrupulous men, some times resulting in death.

The case of Sri Ch. Narahari is one such instance. During early hours of

March 29, 1998 Sri Narahari, Forest Guard of Flying Squad, Karimnagar

along with other members of the party intercepted a lorry carrying

illicit timber at a place called Muthyampet. The smugglers made a

brutal attack with swords and lathis and killed Narahari.

Sri Narahari was known for his dedication to his duties. He always

patrolled forests and protected them, while he was in charge of

Boranpally and Chintaloor beats of Karimnagar West division. While

he worked in the Flying Squad for about nine months, he served the

Forest Department honestly and helped in collecting a revenue of

Rs.16.65 lakh. He was also responsible for detecting six cases of

smuggling timber by fast moving vehicles.

Sri Narahari for his meritorious service was posthumously awarded

‘Andhra Pradesh Visista Vana Samrakshana Pathakamu’ and the award

was presented to the widow of the late Narahari on August 15, 1998.

(Published in VanaPremi of October 2008)

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21. Rana Pratap Singh, Forest Section Officer, Project Tiger,

Srisailam

Forest life is fraught with many risks and dangers.

A Forester in addition to his own duties has a moral

obligation to help those whose life is lost or

property is damaged. Sri Rana Pratap Singh, a

forester working under the Field Director, Project

Tiger, Srisailam, during the year 1998 on June 27,

accompanied by his superior and some villagers,

went into the forest in search of a human kill. They had to suddenly

confront a wild bear. For what reason we do not know, the bear

attacked the group of men and, Rana Pratap Singh, true to his name,

was exceptionally brave and saved his boss (who would have been

the first victim of the attack) and others. In an attempt to save others

he valiantly fought with the bear and sustained severe injuries

resulting in his death.

Sri Rana Pratap Singh was an young and energetic Forester always

ready to attend to the call of duty. To save the lives of others, he risked

his own life. Rana was honoured posthumously by an award of “Andhra

Pradesh Mukhya Mantri Vana Sourya Patakamu” and it is received by

his widow on August 15, 1998.

Under the scheme of awards for meritorious service, Rana’s wife was

paid a cash award of Rs. 500/- and a service grant of Rs. 50/- per month

until the date of superannuation of Rana besides other benefits like

ex-gratia amount, payment to the widow every month a sum equal to

the last drawn pay until his superannuation, if he had been alive.

(Published in Vana Premi of November 2008)

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22. P. Rajamouli, Forest Beat Officer, Warangal North division.

Foresters working in deep jungles are exposed to

many risks including assault by extremists and

lawless persons. Naxalites are ruthless in killing

innocent Government servants for no fault of

them. One instance of killing Poola Rajamouli,

Forest Beat Officer, is a sad commentary of

thoughtless assault of Naxalites at Eturunagaram

in Warangal district.

The naxalites targeted the police station at Eturunagaram. They came

in two tractors during the early morning hours on Sunday 29th July

2001. First tractor stopped in front of the police station and two men

from the tractor walked into the temple nearby. When challenged by

the sentry, the two persons ran away and triggered the remote control

which blasted explosives loaded in the tractor. Moments after, another

tractor loaded with explosives came near the police staion and

explosives in it were similarly blasted by remote control. In the two

explosions, which took place in quick succession, destroyed the police

station building and a few police men were also killed. Poola Rajamouli,

Beat Officer, performing duty in the check-post opposite to the police

station, was also seriously injured and there was profuse bleeding in

the leg. He could not be rushed to the District Hospital at Warangal as

the naxalites blocked the road to Warangal and they would not allow

any vehicle to go further from Eturunagaram. Rajamouli and other

injured police personnel were flown by a helicopter to Warangal and

all possible medical aid was arranged but Rajamouli could not be

saved. He breathed his last at 8.00 p.m. on 29.07.2001.

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Sri Raghuuveer , the then Conservator of Forests, warangal paid rich

tributes to the late Rajamouli and arranged funeral. He described

Rajamouli as ‘a soldier who did not leave his post’.

Sri P. Rajamouli is survived by his wife Smt. Sarojini, one daughter and

three sons. The last boy is appointed as a Junior Assistant to support

the bereaved family.

(Published in Vana Premi of June 2008)

23. S. Abdul Gafoor, Assistant Beat Officer, Guntur division

Forest subordinates are exposed to several risks to

their life and one of them is assault by naxalites.

Naxalites ill-treat, torture and even kill subordinate

officers mercilessly. The thoughtless acts of

naxalites are resorting to brutality are only to

create sensationalism and prevent foresters from

performing their duties. The following instance of

brutal killing of an Asst. Beat Officer in Guntur district while he was

performing his legitimate duties of raising plantation in a in a reservest

area is a crime of ruthless murder reported at Rajupalem Police Station

of Guntur district.

Sri Sheikh Abdul Gafoor was an Assistant Beat Officer attached to

Gundlapalli beat of Nakarikal section in Guntur Range. Naxalites

belonging to Jana Shakthi group shot him down to death on October

16, 2002. He was 49.

Sri S.A. Gafoor, A.B.O. accompanied by Sri G. Guruvaiah, Beat Officer

went ahead by a scooter to the planting site at Devarampadu in

Janapadu reserved forest, after sending planting stock (bag-plants)

69

by tractor. The plants were being unloaded from the tractor with the

help of a few mazdoors engaged for the purpose, when suddenly three

naxalites appeared and demanded from Gafoor to surrender his

cellular phone. Gafoor replied that he has no phone. The three

members of the naxalites group shot at Gafoor with revolvers and

pistols resulting in instant death. The plantation programme was

planned in the area after evicting encroachments earlier.

Gafoor was born on 02.02.1953 and was appointed as A.B.O. on

11.03.1985. He was a disciplined subordinate with a high sense of duty.

His aim of life was to improve his career prospects but he paid a heavy

price and sacrificed his life for carrying out the department’s

programme of regenerating an area in forest. He is survived by his

wife Smt. Zakia Banu, two daughters and a son,

Sri S.A. Gafoor was given a tearful send off in his last journey by a large

number of forest staff of Guntur division. All the high ranking officials

of forest department and the Minister for Forests consoled the

bereaved family and conveyed their condolences. The Government

generously granted all the benefits due to the family like ex-gratia

payment of Rs.7.5 lakh, payment of salary to the widow till the

superannuation of the deceased and other amounts due to the family

of the late Gafoor..

Glorious is the example of the life and death of Sri S.A. Gafoor, who

reached martyrdom for the cause of forestry.

(Published in Vana Premi of September 2008)

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24. C. Jacob, Forest Beat Officer, Achampet division

Forest personnel, particularly those in charge of

protection of forests, face numerous problems day-

in and day-out. They are expected to deliver

maximum output with minimum resources at their

command. Detecting offences red handed is a

challenging task. Many of the cases are caught

during unauthorized transport of forest produce.

Forest Guard is considered a minion in the hierarchy of the forest

department. But he has onerous duties to perform. He is expected to

be agile and alert, during the day and night, to get information on

occurrence of offence. Prevention of offence is another duty cast on

him.

Sri Jacob, Forest Beat Officer in Achampet division of Mahbubnagar

district, received credible information on 10.02.2006 about smuggling

of teak timber in a van. Jacob managed to secure a jeep with staff for

helping him. They set out to chase the van. They almost succeeded in

reaching the van. As the jeep driver was overtaking the van, the van

driver hit the jeep from the side, as a result the jeep fell in a ditch and

Jacob met with instant death.

Sri C. Jacob was a subordinate officer of the forest department, highly

conscious of his duties. He had to his credit detection of many cases.

He died in harness and reached martyrdom. The survivors received all

the benefits which are due to the bereaved family.

(Published in Vana Premi of March 2012)

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25. D.Ramachandra Reddy, Dy. Range Officer, Nandyal division

It is too well known that forest officers, particularly those who are in

charge of protection of forests, are prone to many risks like criminal

assault by persons who turn hostile when they are apprehended for

committing forest offences. The forest subordinate officers move in

deep jungles and inhospitable areas where wild animals particularly

carnivores and omnivores are abound. Instances of attack by wild

animals in particular on the foresters are plenty.

Two instances, where a Beat Officer Sri V.K. Tirupathi and Deputy Range

Officer Sri D. Ramachandra Reddy of Ernapadu Section in Nandyal

Forest division, Kurnool district died when a bear mauled them. The

following are the details:

Ramachandra Reddy went to inspect a site on 11.04.2006 where

Tirupathi Forest Beat Officer was killed by a wild bear. He was

accompanied by other staff. They all proceeded from Mahanandi. In

course of inspection they were trying to track the place of occurrence

by following pug marks , blood spots etc. and in the meantime the

wild bear came out from the bushes and attacked the staff. Every one

escaped and unfortunately Ramachandra Reddy only became the

victim of the attack. He died on the same day.

Sri D. Ramachandra Reddy was born on 08.05.1948 and was appointed

as Forester on 18.05.1978. He was a very conscious and conscientious

forester and was promoted as Deputy Range Officer on 15.02.1991.

Probably, Sri Reddy wanted to find the cause of death of his assistant

Sri V.K Tirupathi. The attack was by a bear with young ones; and only a

lone bear or bear with young cub make such attacks. We all mourn

the loss of D. Ramachandra Reddy and V.K. Tirupathi.

(Published in Vana Premi of February 2008)

72

26. N. Rama Murthy, Assistant Beat Officer, Bhadrachalam

North division.

Strange are the ways of smugglers. The smugglers

extract timber from forests, transport clandestinely

and hide the smuggled timber until they get an

opportune time to finally dispose it off. But some

intelligent forest officers keep track of the activities

of professional smugglers and arrest them while

seizing the timber involved, or seize the timber

only, if the smugglers escape arrest. The forest officers on getting

reliable information keep themselves in wait and apprehend the

accused red handed. This plan of action fails when the smugglers do

not move the concealed timber. After waiting for a long if the officers

are not able to apprehend the accused, they salvage the hidden timber.

The timber is hidden under compost pits or water-holes, ponds or any

other places, which are not susceptible to check, or not easy to detect.

One such case, where the timber was concealed on the edge of

Godavari river bank, had come to the notice of staff of Bhadrachalam

Range.

On 26.05.2006, the Sub-Divisional Forest Officer, Bhadrachalam North

division along with staff of Bhadrachalam range including Sri N. Rama

Murthy, A.B.O. proceeded to the place where the timber was concealed

and they found the timber consisted of valuable teak logs. The timber

was discovered near Iravendi village of Burgampad Mandal in

Khammam district. While salvaging the tmber Sri Rama Murthy lost

his balance and fell into 20 ft. deep water of river Godavari and got

drowned.

73

The dead body was recovered from the river water with the help of

police. Rama Murthy, in the presence of Sub-D.F.O. and colleagues

wanted to help in the operation as a duty conscious subordinate, but

the destiny decided to end his life this way. Alas! The department has

lost a zealous worker in the death of Sri Rama Murthy.

(Published in Vana Premi of April 2008)

27. Sheikh Sahim Basha, Forest Beat Officer, Markapur division

Detection of forest offence is hard; detecting and apprehending the

accused is harder. Apprehending accused when he is using a fast

moving vehicle is still more difficult. Catching an offender while he is

in a fast moving vehicle may result in loss of life of a forester or the

forester may sustain severe injuries. This was what exactly had

happened to Sri Sheikh Shaim Basha, of Podili Beat in Markapur Range.

On the night of January 24, 2007 at about 09.15 p.m. near Chinnarikatla

junction, Shahim Basha chased a lorry carrying logs of timber for about

one kilometer and succeeded in stopping the lorry. While the Beat

Officer was making enquiry with the person who was transporting

the timber, another lorry came from the opposite direction and hit

him hard resulting in his instant death. Sri Sheikh Shahim Basha has

thus attained martyrdom on January 24, 2007.

(Published in Vana Premi of January 2008)

74

28. A. Chandrabhan, Forest Beat Officer, Nirmal division

One of the duties of forest officers living in remote

areas is to safeguard government interest in

timber when natural calamities take place. In one

instance, a good number of timber trees have

fallen due to winds on the river and stream banks

in Nirmal division of Adilabad district. The Beat

Officer concerned in response to call of his duty

tried to salvage the timber but unfortunately he died in an accident

while transporting the timber by means of a tractor. The accident took

place on July 30, 2007.

The victim was Sri A. Chandrabhan, Forest Beat Officer of Itkial Range

in Nirmal division. He enumerated the wind-fallen trees and after

obtaining permission of superiors, converted them into logs. There

was the fear of theft of the converted timber logs; Chandrabhan,

therefore, organized transport of the timber to Government Timber

Depot at Khanapur. For the purpose of salvage of the timber,

Chandrabhan engaged a tractor and while transporting timber by

means of tractor, there was an accident and the Beat Officer suffered

serious injuries as the huge logs fell on him in the accident. He was

immediately rushed to Nizam;s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS)

at Hyderabad, where Chandrabhan succumbed to the injuries.

Sri Chandrabhan was born on 24.03.1954. In his death, the Forest

Department has lost an honest and duty conscious subordinate officer.

He has become a martyr by sacrificing his life while performing his

duties.

(Published in Vana Premi of March 2008)

75

29.B. Manthya, Forest Beat Officer, Adilabad division

The Nizam’s Government held the view that the

state had sparse population and that it could afford

to spare vast stretches of forest land for establishing

human habitations in the interior areas. They

granted large extents of forest land to individuals

and offered other sops to them for bringing those

areas under cultivation. A large number of families from Multan of the

then Punjab province (Now in the West Punjab of Pakistan) were

encouraged to migrate to the erstwhile Hyderabad state during the

said period. The migrants were rehabilitated at Keshavapatnam village

and surroundings of Utnoor taluk, now Ichoda mandal of Adilabad

district by dereserving an area of more than 4,000 acres from Sirchalma

Reserved Forest. As the time passed these Multanis have taken to all

kinds of crime like theft, housebreaking, waylaying, criminal assault,

murder etc. and more so in large scale clearance and encroachment

of forest land and smuggling of timber and other forest produce. They

earned notoriety of being forest smugglers of the worst kind. All efforts

made by Government to reform them did not yield results so far.

For forest staff it has been a challenging task to prevent smuggling by

these elements and detect and book cases against them. Beat Guards

have always been under the threat of assault by them. There have been

several instances of criminal assault on the forest staff. When B.

Manthya, a Beat Officer, was transferred and posted to this area, he

did not shirk his responsibility of protecting the forest and joined duty

without evading his posting. He was aware of the challenges in the

Beat and that made him all the more determined to do his duty. He

did not care the risks involved and was very firm in dealing with

76

offenders. As Manthya proved to be a thorn in their flesh, the Multanis

bore grudge against him and hatched a plan to eliminate him. The

Multanis found an opportune moment one day when Manthya was

on his routine duty of patrolling forest. They pounced on him and beat

him with lathis ruthlessly until he fell unconscious. They thought

Manthya is no more and left him. When the information reached the

authorities, Manthya was moved to a hospital. He was treated for the

severe injuries but as ill luck would have it, Manthya succumbed to

the injuries in about two weeks on December 17, 2009.

Manthya was a very hard working and sincere subordinate. Living or

dead he left a glorious example of a disciplined and dutiful employee.

In his death, the Forest Department has lost a good and reliable worker.

(Published in Vana Premi of February 2012)

30. D. Shivlal, Forest Beat Officer, Medak division

Gory death of Sri D. Shivlal Forest Beat Officer

(F.B.O) of Sanjeevaraopet beat of Narayankhed

Range in Medak division is a sad commentary of

the life of a forester in guarding the forests in

Andhra Pradesh.

On November 25, 2010 Shivlal set out on his motor-

bike as usual for patrolling the forest of his beat. He did not return

home till late night and his family grew anxious and kept waiting for

his return from duty. People grew suspicious of some foul play for his

disappearance. News spread soon on the following day i.e. November

26, 2010, that his charred body is found lying beside his motor-bike in

the forest. This news confirmed the suspicion of foul play against thr

forest guard.

77

The body was identified as that of Shivlal by the Forest Range Officer

of Narayanked Range. It is believed that smugglers of timber

mercilessly beat him to death, when they were apprehended by Shivlal;

and burnt the dead body right in the forest, which he was

endeavouring to protect.

Medak District Police have registered a case and have taken up the

investigation of the crime of man-slaughter. Senior officers of police

and forest departments including the Principal Chief Conservator of

Forests visited the scene of crime.

Shivlal was a native of Pochamral village in Medak district. He was first

appointed on 03.03.1984 as a Reserve Watcher. He was later promoted

on 23.02.2008 as F.B.O, in recognition of his good work and then was

posted to Sanjeevaraopet beat in Narayankhed Range.

Shivlal was a sincere and dedicated Forest Guard and was known for

his skills of detection and reporting forest offence cases with

promptness. He met with ghastly death while performing his duty.

Ex-gratia amount of Rs. 1.00 lakh was promptly sanctioned by the

Government for the benefit of the bereaved family.

(Published in Vana Premi of January 2011)

78

31. Sri T. Satyanarayana Forest Beat Officer, Nirmal Division

Sri T. Satyanarayana (Retrenched Village Forest

Worker) was engaged on contract basis as Forest

Beat Officer on 31-03-2006. He was posted as F.B.O.,

Muthyampet, Khanapur Range of Nirmal Division

on 01-04-2008. The Muthyampet beat is with

dense forest and valuable teak with protection

problems. But the said Forest Beat Officer has been

working untiringly towards Forest Protection and controlled

smuggling effectively. Due to this reason he has developed enmity

with timber smugglers.

On 29-03-2011, Late Sri T. Satyanarayana received information

regarding smuggling of timber by Bullock carts through Lingapur Revu

along river Godavari of Khanapur Range. Late Sri T. Satyanarayana,

Forest Beat Officer, Muthyampet Beat of Khanapur Range along with

four assistants reached the Lingapur Revu of Godavari River at 10:30

P.M. on 29-03-2011. When the said Forest Beat Officer and four

assistants have noticed Bullock carts coming towards Godavari Revu

loaded with Teak timber. The said Forest Beat Officer has focused the

torch light and stopped the bullock carts smuggling teak timber. (3)

of the smugglers have immediately attacked the said Forest Beat

Officer and his assistants with Cart pegs resulting in death of Sri T.

Satyanarayana, Forest Beat Officer, Muthyampet Beat due to severe

head injury. The other party members who were also injured have

escaped. The offenders have also escaped from the scene of offence

leaving the teak logs and the bullock cart. The Forest Range Officer,

Khanapur on receipt of information about assault on the staff has

immediately rushed to the spot. The Forest Range Officer and other

79

staff were shocked to see the Sri T. Satyanarayana, Forest Beat Officer,

Muthyampet Beat lying in pool of blood at the Bullock cart. The

smugglers were identified to be natives of Pathayellapur. On lodging

complaint with the police an FIR is also registered vide No. 37/2011,

dt. 02-04-2011. During the investigation the (03) accused have been

identified, arrested and prosecuted.

Sri T. Satyanarayana, Forest Beat Officer, Muthyampet Beat is native of

Nalgonda District and he is left behind his wife, two sons and one

daughter. The sons are studying in Intermediate and 5th Class.

Sri T. Satyanarayana, Forest Beat Officer has performed his duties very

efficiently in preventing destruction of forests and controlling

smuggling in his beat. While making such efforts and busting the

organized smuggling he was inhumanly attacked by the dreaded

smugglers resulting in his death. Inspite of knowing the cruelty of the

timber smugglers of Pathayellapur, on receiving the information

without caring his life he has stopped the timber smuggling. He has

laid down his life for the cause of prevention of offence & busting the

organized timber smuggling in his beat.

80

32. Sri C.Sreenivasulu, Asst., Beat Officer, Chittoor(East) WLM

Division

His date of birth is 10.05.1969. He belongs to S.C.

(Mala), He passed S.S.C examination. He was

worked as Village Forest Worker from 01.09.1988

to 31.03.1997 (9 years).

Sri C.Sreenivasulu, retrenched Village Forest

Worker was appointed as Assistant Beat Officer on

contract basis vide this Office Progs. Rc.No.3794/2003/G1,

Dt.31.12.2005. He joined as Assistant Beat Officer on the F.N. of

12.01.2006. He has put in a total service of six (6) years, six (6) months

as Assistant Beat Officer

Sri C.Sreenivasulu, Ex-Assistant Beat Officer (re-trenched VFW

appointed on contract basis), Anjur Beat of Srikalahasti Range was

killed by suspected smugglers of Red Sanders, while chasing the

vehicle at about 2.30 AM on 12.07.2011. As per the inquiries made at

the spot, it is revealed that the deceased Assistant Beat Officer has

chased the vehicle upto 5 Kms. from Chinthalapalem Check-Post of

Srikalahasti Range with his two wheeler and caught hold of the hair

of one of the smuggler accompanying the vehicle and the smugglers

have thrown him on the road and killed him by breaking his head

with weapons and died on the spot.

81

33. Madan H. Nayak, A.C.F. (Karnataka)

Asst. Conservator of Forests Madan Nayak (55) was

attacked by an unruly group of tourists in Dandeli

on Monday May 7, 2012 resulting in his death. A 16-member group from Bagalkot (some of the groupmembers were Government employees) was onholiday to Dandeli and the members of the groupwere picnicking at crocodile farm on Kali River,

which is a prohibited area. Madan Nayak, who chanced upon the spotwhile returning from a temple, was there with his family. He foundthat the group members flung chicken pieces to crocodiles. Heobjected to the feeding crocodiles with chicken pieces.

The A.C.F. tried to convince the picnickers that feeding crocodiles isbanned because that would tempt the crocodiles to attack humans.The A.C.F., duty bound as he was, acted sincerely in an advisory capacityand yet the visitors to the crocodile farm refused to see the reason;and this has given rise to an altercation. One among the group batteredthe A.C.F. with a stone and as a result Nayak sustained head injury andhe collapsed.

Sri Madan Nayak after first aid was rushed to S.D.M. Medical CollegeHospital at Dharwad but he died on Tuesday May 8, 2012. He hadbypass surgery two years ago.

The Police arrested four persons while the others are said to beabsconding. It is alleged that the local police has not acted impartially.The death of the A.C.F. triggered protests by the citizens of Dandelitown. Sri Madan H. Nayak is survived by his wife Smt. Sumati, daughtersMeghana (doing M.Sc. Biochem.) and Greeshma (doing B.E. Arch); andson Sishir (Class X). The Government of Karnataka has offered a job toone survivor of the bereaved family.

May the God Almighty rest the noble soul in peace!

K.B.R.

(Published in Vana Premi of June 2012)

82

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84

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85

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88

Out Respectful AndTearful Homage To Forest

Martyrs Who Gave Up TheirToday For Our Better

Tomorrow

Protect Forests, Preserve Wildlife,Conserve Soil and

Moisture For Happy, Prosperous & Healthy,Tomorrow

FFFFForests & Wild Animals areorests & Wild Animals areorests & Wild Animals areorests & Wild Animals areorests & Wild Animals are

NNNNNational Heritageational Heritageational Heritageational Heritageational Heritage

Every Citizen must protect andEvery Citizen must protect andEvery Citizen must protect andEvery Citizen must protect andEvery Citizen must protect and

improve themimprove themimprove themimprove themimprove them

K. Buchi Ram Reddy, born in Edunuthula village ofWarangal District in 1932, did B.Sc. from OsmaniaUniversity in 1954. He was selected for undergoingforestry training at Madras Forest College, Coimbatore

About the Author

during 1954-'56. He worked as Forest Ranger in various capacities onspecial duties like preparation of Working Plan, Flying Squad, andResearch; and held territorial range charge at Asifabad and Bijjur inAdilabad district, Narsapur in Medak district, and Yellareddy andKamareddy in Nizamabad district.

He was promoted in 1971 to the State Forest Service first as AssistantConservator of Forests and then as Deputy Conservator of Forests. Hewas then appointed by promotion to the Indian Forest Service in 1986.After promotion, he worked as Sub-DFO, Mahbubabad and D.F.O.Nirmal. As field officer, with a view to ensure effective protection offorests, he prosecuted the accused persons and confiscate properties.Working as A.C.F. in the C.C.F's office, he successfully resisted bogusand dubious claims of ownership over vast areas of forest lands and savedcrores of rupees worth forest from falling in the hands of privateownership. He received letters of appreciation and was awarded CashRewards andAdvance Increments for his outstanding good work.

In the last phase of service, he was deputed to Anti-Corruption Bureauwhere he worked as Joint Director and retired in July 1990. He did LL.B.in1992 and practiced law for a while.

He was the Founder Editor of Vana Premi, a monthly magazine of theAssociation of Retired Forest Officers and worked as such for about adecade. This compilation is his second venture. The first one was 'Legal

Notes for Forest Officers'. He celebrated his 80 birthday on July 7, 2012.th