A tigress and her four cubs were found dead in Karnataka’s Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary on Thursday. Their carcasses were found in the Gajanur beat of the Meenyam Section. A joint probe by forest officials and the police department is already underway. 

The incident, however, is suspected to have taken place on June 25 and came to light when the tigers were found near the Hoogyam range of the Sanctuary in Karnataka. Based on the immediate investigations, a carcass of a cow was also spotted near the tigers, which hinted at poisoning as the cause of death.

The mother of the four cubs killed was believed to be around eleven years of age and was first spotted in November 2014 when it was 6-8 months old. Forest officials speculate that the tigress must have killed the cow and dragged the prey near the cubs. Following this, some miscreants must have poisoned the carcass in the tigress’ absence.

Inquiry in progress

Minister for Forests Ecology and Environment Eshwar B. Khandre has sought a report on the incident and said that the guilty would not be spared.

A high-level inquiry committee has been formed, comprising B.P. Ravi (PCCF), Srinivasulu (APCCF–Wildlife), T. Heeralal (Chief Conservator of Forests, Chamarajanagar Circle), a veterinary officer from Mysuru Zoo, and independent wildlife expert Sanjay Gubbi.

The committee has been tasked with submitting its report within 14 days. In line with NTCA protocols, a necropsy has been conducted, and extensive samples of tissue, blood, and stomach contents are being analyzed for toxicology, histopathology, and DNA profiling.

The Minister expressed deep concern over the incident, stating that the government is treating the deaths of five tigers in a single day with utmost seriousness.