Tiger, four cubs dead due to poisoning in M.M. Hills Wildlife Sanctuary: Karnataka CCF

Five tigers — a mother and her four cubs — died due to poisoning in the M.M. Hills Wildlife Sanctuary of Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district, according to Circle Chief Conservator of Forests T. Hiralal. Earlier, a poisoned cow carcass, believed to have been used as bait, was found about 50 meters away from where the tigers were discovered.

 

The mother tiger, about 10 years old, is believed to have consumed the cow and died on Thursday. Since the Chamarajanagar district has a history of human wildlife conflict, it is suspected that miscreants poisoned the cow to bait the tigers. Villagers who live near the forest are also being questioned to gather information.

 

On a post on X, BJP Karnataka president B Y Vijayendra said that the news was “extremely shocking, inhumane, and that it has deeply distressed the minds of devotees. “If the cause of the death is poisoning, it is a most heinous and condemnable act,” he said.

 

Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre said that he has given orders for a high level enquiry. The inquiry committee made of both forest officials and wildlife experts. About five people have been taken into custody for questioning. The investigation is currently focused on tracing the ownership of the cow and how it reached the sanctuary.

 

"Our government has taken the matter very seriously, and we will investigate it from all angles. We will not spare those behind it," Khandre told reporters. He also said that “The guilty will not be spared.” 

 

The incident has caused anti-poaching units to be on high alert and GPS-based patrols, infrared camera surveillance and confidential informer networks have been activated.

 

The necropsies of the tigers were conducted by a team of five experts, as per the guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). The exact cause of death will be confirmed only after the necropsy report is released. The Forest Department has sent blood, tissue, and stomach samples for toxicology, histopathology, and DNA profiling.

 

Environmentalists have also been pointing out lapses in the forest department's procedures saying that non-payment of salaries to the forest watchers have caused surveillance gaps.

 

Karnataka ranks second in terms of tiger population in India with at least 563 in its forests and national parks. 

India