Bangalore: On taking charge as the new DGP-IGP of Karnataka, Shanker M. Bidri, IPS, was can did enough to admit to reporters on Monday that it was one’s own companions of Mahadev Mane had accidentally killed him while hunting for naxal gangs in Manjal Kadu (forest) areas, near Naravi.

There were no naxalites but a few hunters who were going after porcupines, in the jungle. ANF soldiers had fired at him.

There was negligence and confusion in the ANF team while moving forward to meet Naxalites and exchange fire. Mane was gunned down by his own colleague, while combing the area for enemies.

In 2007, an ASI, Venkatesh was similar Victim in a hunt for Naxal gangs.