Madhya Pradesh collector investigated for entering tiger reserve

The collector of Sidhi district in Madhya Pradesh is under investigation for allegedly driving his private vehicle into the core area of the Sanjay Tiger Reserve. This complaint comes from wildlife activist Ajay Dube, who claims the collector frequently visits the reserve with friends in a private Gypsy. Dube accuses Swarochish Somavanshi of violating the Wildlife Act and National Tiger Conservation Authority guidelines. He says Somavanshi often pressures forest officials and even goes on safaris during times when the reserve is closed to the public. According to Dube, the collector's vehicle stays in the restricted area until late at night, putting him dangerously close to the tigers. Amit Kumar, the field director of the Sanjay Tiger Reserve, confirmed that the Forest Department has taken Dube's complaints seriously. Narendra Ravi, the Majholi Sub Divisional Officer, has been assigned to investigate the allegations and will report his findings soon. Efforts to reach Collector Somavanshi for comment have been unsuccessful.