Parents Demand Thorough Investigation Into Veterinarian's Tragic Death at Shivamogga Zoo
The grieving parents of Dr Sameeksha Reddy, a 27-year-old veterinarian who tragically lost her life following a hippopotamus attack at Shivamogga zoo, have formally approached the Tunga Nagar police station demanding a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. The family arrived in Shivamogga from Bengaluru on Wednesday to provide their official police statement, alleging significant procedural negligence and safety failures that contributed to this devastating incident.
Family Alleges Procedural Negligence in Police Statement
While police initially registered an unnatural death report (UDR) following the March 20 incident, Dr Sameeksha's family—including her father Dhruva Kumar Reddy, mother Shailaja Reddy, and maternal uncle—personally traveled to Shivamogga to ensure their concerns were properly documented. The family's statement to authorities raises serious questions about safety protocols and operational procedures at the zoo facility.
Speaking to reporters through tears, Shailaja Reddy emotionally questioned why her daughter was required to be inside the animal enclosure during what she described as "such an odd hour." The grieving mother emphasized that standard operating procedures (SOPs) must be strictly enforced and followed without exception to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
A Life Dedicated to Animal Welfare
Dr Sameeksha Reddy was described by her family as a passionate veterinarian who chose her profession out of genuine love for animals rather than financial considerations. Her dedication was so profound that she continued working through the Ugadi festival period, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation and animal care.
The family has made a heartfelt plea to investigators not to shift blame onto the deceased veterinarian, but rather to focus on identifying systemic failures and ensuring accountability. They seek justice for their daughter, whose entire professional life was dedicated to the noble cause of wildlife preservation and animal welfare.
Ongoing Investigation and Official Response
As the investigation continues, Shivamogga CCF KT Hanumanthappa submitted an initial inquiry report last week, though no final decisions or conclusions have been announced yet. The family's intervention adds significant pressure on authorities to conduct a thorough examination of all safety protocols, staff training procedures, and emergency response mechanisms at the zoo facility.
The tragic incident has raised broader questions about workplace safety for veterinarians and zoo staff across India, particularly those working with large and potentially dangerous animals. Dr Sameeksha's family hopes their daughter's death will lead to meaningful reforms that protect other wildlife professionals who work in similar high-risk environments.
