Kannada actor Yash’s next movie is the action thriller Toxic . However, the movie has landed in controversy after the makers were accused of ‘illegally’ cutting 100 trees in Bengaluru’s Peenya for the construction of a set. According to a report by PTI, Karnataka Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre, in a letter to the Additional Chief Secretary, accused Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT), saying, “This is a serious violation.
Hundreds of trees have been removed without permission, and we are seeking strict legal repercussions.” Khandre also claimed that 599 acres of forest land were unlawfully transferred to HMT in the 1960s without proper de-notification. A post shared by The Hollywood Reporter India (@hollywoodreporterindia) Khandre said HMT illegally transferred forestland to various entities, both governmental and private, over the years.
“HMT is not only leasing the land to private entities, but also renting forestland for film sets. In the case of Toxic, a massive set was erected on land reportedly sold to Canara Bank, leading to significant tree-cutting.” He also demanded a thorough investigation, and said that strict action will be taken against the parties involved.
A post shared by Yash (@thenameisyash) Reacting to the allegations, Toxic ’s production house, KVN Productions, denied the claims and said that it is private property, and that they have adhered to all legal requirements. “We conducted a comprehensive survey in February 2024 and have submit.
