Tue Jan 07 18:14:41 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Launches Online FIR System to Combat Forest Crimes

**Bengaluru, January 7, 2025** – Karnataka’s Forest Department launched “Garudakshi,” a new online FIR system, aimed at curbing forest crimes such as encroachment, illegal logging, and poaching. The system, developed in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India, was unveiled by Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre on Tuesday.

Minister Khandre stated that the initiative addresses the rising number of forest crimes and aims to ensure timely prosecution of offenders. The online system replaces the previous manual paper-based system, which hampered case tracking and chargesheet filing.

Initially, Garudakshi will be piloted in five divisions before statewide rollout. The system will mandate online FIR registration for forest-related crimes, providing complainants with online access to case status updates. Digital signatures from Range Forest Officers (RFOs) will ensure legal compliance, addressing past issues with case dismissals due to technicalities. Approximately 40,000 cases have already been digitized.

The Minister emphasized that the online system will improve efficiency, reduce pending cases, and ultimately deter illegal activities in Karnataka’s forests. The High Court’s directives on addressing pending cases further underscored the need for this technological upgrade.

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