Man dies of ‘suffocation’ on Velliangiri hills

The forest department has imposed a ban on pilgrims from climbing the hills to visit the temple of Lord Shiva located at an altitude of over 6,000 feet. Pilgrimage to the hills has been restricted to prevent people causing disturbance to wild animals in the forest cover and also due to unpredictable weather conditions at a high altitude. However, Nethaji, 39, native of Ambattur, Chennai along with his two friends Gawtham and Panneer Selvam had gone up the hills on Tuesday. While climbing down, Nethaji developed breathlessness and died.

On receiving information, the forest department staff rushed to the spot and brought down the deceased person on Wednesday and sent it for a post mortem at Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital.

The forest department has slapped a fine of Rs 5,000 each on two others for climbing the hills despite a ban. “Boards have been placed warning people against going to the hills as it would be a disturbance to wild animals. We have deputed staff to prevent such illegal visits to the hill shrine,” said a forest department staff.