Gundlupet, Nov. 8 -- Forest officials have seized a car and a pistol found abandoned inside the Bandipur Tiger Reserve, after it was discovered that the vehicle had entered the protected forest area illegally.

The vehicle was spotted near a roadside drain close to the Sollekatte area on Mangala Road. Upon inspection, Forest personnel found the car empty but recovered a pistol from inside. The car keys were also found at the spot, prompting officials to seize the vehicle and its contents.

Verification of the vehicle's registration revealed that it belongs to a person named Boraiah from Channapatna. When contacted, he informed authorities that his son had taken the car and that his phone is currently switched off.

According to Bandipur R...