KUMBAWADA(UTTARA KANNADA): The forest department has filed an FIR against a ‘YouTuber’ for trespassing, staying without permission and making videos in a protected area of the forest, and though the department served a notice to the violator, he has remained incommunicado.
Pathegudi in Kumbarwada in Kali Tiger Reserve is a core tiger reserve with frequent movement of tigers being sighted here. However, the place being inviolate as per norms, has been totally off the tourism radar.
Even inhabitants of the many villages inside the forests are scrutinised every now and then, but a blatant violation took place last November. It is said that the YouTuber, going by the name @sg_malenadu on Instagram, not just stayed in the tiger reserve but also made a film using a drone and video camera, and posted it on social media.
According to an FIR available with TNIE, he came to Kali Tiger Reserve on November 5, 2025, travelled around and rode a bike used by late actor Puneet Rajkumar inside the reserve. He shot a film and uploaded it on social media on November 21, 2025.
“After the video was uploaded, the department scrutinised it and lodged a complaint on December 2. A notice was served to the violator, asking for an explanation. However, since there has been no response from the opposite party, a case was filed under Section 2 (15, 17, 26) 27, 28, 51 of the Wildlife Act,” the FIR copy says. “He was asked to come to Kumbarwada Range Forest Office and give an explanation. However, there has been no response.”
When contacted, Kumbarwada RFO Girish Chougale said the violator appeared before him and gave an explanation, and the department has asked him to get the drone and video camera so it can be thoroughly checked and videos deleted.
Local wildlife enthusiasts are questioning the forest department’s inaction. “They question all locals who are dependent on forests for a livelihood. But there are movie makers like the ‘Wild Karnataka’ team and YouTubers who have been exploiting the reserve without permission,” Ravi Redkar, a wildlife activist from Joida told TNIE.
Redkar had dragged the ‘Wild Karnataka’ filmmakers to court and prevented its commercial release, stating that it was made without permission and in violation of norms. “Prima facie, the YouTuber’s video appears to be the tiger reserve,” he said. It has been learnt that the accused remained incommunicado till January 9.