Parents seek probe into vet’s death at Shivamogga zoo

Shivamogga: Parents of Dr Sameeksha Reddy, the 27-year-old veterinarian who died following a hippopotamus attack at Shivamogga zoo, have approached the Tunga Nagar police station demanding a thorough investigation into her death.While the police initially registered an unnatural death report (UDR) following the incident on March 20, the family— including her father Dhruva Kumar Reddy, mother Shailaja Reddy and maternal uncle —arrived in Shivamogga from Bengaluru on Wednesday to give a police statement alleging procedural negligence.Speaking to reporters, Shailaja Reddy shedding tears, questioned why her daughter was required to be in the enclosure at such an odd hour. She urged the department to ensure that standard operating procedures (SOPs) are strictly followed so that other veterinarians can work without fear. She emphasised that Dr Sameeksha was driven by a deep passion for animals rather than financial gain, even choosing to work through Ugadi festival. As the investigation continues, the family has pleaded not to shift the blame onto the deceased, seeking justice for their daughter who dedicated her life to wildlife conservation.Shivamogga CCF KT Hanumanthappa submitted the inquiry report last week, but no decision has been made yet.