A tigress and her four cubs found dead in Karnataka; Probe ordered

Bengaluru: Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has ordered a high-level probe into the “suspicious” deaths of a tigress and her four cubs in the Male Mahadeshwara Hills, under the Hugyam forest range.

The tragedy came into light on Thursday morning, prompting immediate concern from forest officials. Preliminary findings suggest the animals may have died due to” poisoning”, though a detailed investigation is underway to determine the exact cause.

Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, Minister Khandre has directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) to lead the probe.

He has also instructed the Additional Chief Secretary and the Chief Wildlife Warden to ensure a thorough investigation and take strict action against those responsible, stating that the government views the deaths of these five tigers with utmost seriousness.

The forest department has assured that all angles are being explored and appropriate legal measures will follow based on the findings.

Referring to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s Project Tiger for the protection of endangered tigers, the minister noted that Karnataka has also taken proactive steps in tiger conservation. With 563 tigers, the state ranks second in the country.

He added that it is deeply painful that five tigers died unnaturally in a single day in a state known for its tiger conservation.

Mr Khandre has instructed to form a team immediately under the leadership of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, to conduct an on-site investigation.

“If negligence by forest staff is found, or if the deaths were caused by electrocution, poisoning, or any other reason, criminal cases should be filed against those responsible and appropriate action taken. A report has been ordered to be submitted within three days,” it stated.

Highlighting the importance of tiger conservation, Khandre recalled that it was former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who launched Project Tiger to protect the endangered species. Karnataka has since taken strong measures to conserve tigers and is ranked second in the country with a population of 563 tigers.