Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre has warned that action will be taken against those who take photos and selfies of wildlife while travelling on roads within the State’s forest areas.

Mr. Khandre’s warning comes in the wake of a video doing the rounds which shows tourists taking selfies with an elephant at the Charmadi Ghat in Belthangady taluk, Dakshina Kannada district, on Thursday.

He said that it is a crime to get down from vehicles while travelling on forest roads and has instructed officials to find out the registration number of the vehicle involved in this incident and take legal action.

“The State government and the Forest Department are working hard to control human-wildlife conflict. There is a risk of disaster when the public takes selfies and photos like this,” he said.