Businessman charged for cutting down 42 trees in Kaup

A businessman has been charged for cutting down 42 trees in Kaup, Udupi district. The Forest Department and police filed separate cases against him after the incident on March 18. Forest official Akhilesh reported to Padubidri police that the trees were planted along National Highway 66 in June 2023. He noticed the trees had been uprooted while on duty. The trees were removed by Roshan using an earth mover, as they were blocking his roadside advertising hoardings. The trees’ heights varied from 5 to 10 feet. The police registered a complaint on March 20, citing specific laws related to property destruction. The Forest Department also opened a separate case against Roshan for violating environmental regulations.