Dandeli: Forest officer dies of accidental poisoning

In a tragic incident, a forest officer of the Kulagi Forest range in Dandeli died at a hospital in Hubballi on Friday evening while being treated for poisoning.

The deceased has been identified as Yogesh Naika. He had been in critical condition after inadvertently ingesting a dangerous poison while carrying out his duties.

According to sources, Naika and his colleagues were spraying pesticides to eradicate weeds in the grove at Kulgi within the Virnoli forest range. Unfortunately, Naika reportedly consumed water and food without properly washing his hands after the pesticide spraying.

The following day, Naika fell seriously ill and was subsequently admitted to SDM Hospital in Dharwad as his condition worsened. Despite receiving treatment, his illness persisted, leading to his transfer to Suchirayu Hospital in Hubli. Tragically, Naika, who had been semi-conscious due to multi-organ failure, passed away without responding to the treatment.

Naika hailed from the village of Bada in Kumta taluk and resided in the Dandeli Forest Home. He is survived by his wife, who also works in the Dandeli forest division and their two-and-a-half-year-old son.

Upon receiving the news of Naika’s condition, senior and junior officers of the forest department rushed to the hospital to offer their support and condolences.