Mysuru: The mortal remains of forest staff Murugappa Thammagulu who died while dousing fire at Bandipur tiger reserve was brought to Aranya Bhavan in Mysuru where people paid their respects. The staff protested seeking Rs 50 lakh compensation for deceased’s family. Funeral will be held at his native place in Sindhagi Town, Vijayapura district on Monday.

On Saturday night, 32 -year-old Murugappa, a forest guard attached to the Kalkere forest department, succumbed to burns and three others suffered burns due to a forest fire at Moleyur Forest Range under Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary in the taluk. Murugappa was killed at Kalkere when he was trying to control the forest fire with other guards. Murugappa who was in the forefront collapsed inhaling the thick smoke and sustained grievous burn injuries. Murugappa hailed from Sindhagi town in Vijayapura district and was married a year ago. This is the first such incident in Karnataka where forest guard got killed while dousing fire.

Three other forest personnel – Range Forest Officer Gangadhar and personnel Manju and Manu sustained serious injuries and have been undergoing treatment at a hospital. The forest personnel of Gundre and N Begur Forest Range rushed to the spot when they heard about the fire.

According to forest officials, the fire has destroyed more than 100 acres of vegetation.