Chamarajanagar, Karnataka: In a deeply alarming incident that has shaken the wildlife conservation community, five tigers – a tigress and her four cubs – have been found dead in the MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka. The carcasses were discovered in the Hugyam range of the Meeniyam area, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Chamarajanagar Forest Division.
A special investigation team will be formed to determine whether there was any negligence on the part of forest officials. If the cause of the incident is found to be electrocution, poisoning, or any similar act, criminal charges will be pursued against those responsible.
Initial investigations point to poisoning as the likely cause, though a conclusive determination will await postmortem reports. Officials believe the incident may be linked to the tigress having hunted a cow, leading to a retaliatory act by local villagers.
Forest Officials Suspect Retaliatory Poisoning
Chief Conservator of Forests (Chamarajanagar Circle), T. Hiralal, stated, “Prima facie, this case appears to be one of poisoning. It is definitely not a natural death.” Forest staff found the carcasses clustered near a watering point in the forest, suggesting the tigers consumed poisoned meat in close succession.
According to forest department sources, it is suspected that the tigress hunted a cow from a nearby village and dragged its carcass into the forest. The villagers may have then laced the remaining meat with poison in an act of revenge, resulting in the death of the tigress and her cubs after they consumed it.
State Government Reacts Swiftly
Reacting strongly to the tragic incident, Karnataka’s Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre has called the deaths “extremely worrying” and has ordered an immediate investigation.
“I have asked for a report within three days. The death of five tigers in one day is unacceptable. Strict action will be taken, and the culprits will not be spared,” said the minister. The Chief Principal Conservator of Forests has been instructed to visit the site and conduct a comprehensive inquiry.
Tiger Conservation Policy Under Scrutiny
Karnataka holds the distinction of being India’s second-largest tiger state with 563 tigers, according to the latest All India Tiger Estimation report. The sudden loss of five tigers in a single incident raises serious concerns about the implementation and enforcement of wildlife protection policies, especially in buffer and fringe areas.
The MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, spanning 906 square kilometers, is a critical habitat supporting a rich diversity of fauna, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and various herbivore species. Although a proposal to upgrade MM Hills to a tiger reserve was floated before the 2023 Assembly elections, the plan has since remained shelved – a decision now drawing renewed criticism in light of the tragedy.
