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A tigress and her four cubs were found dead at the Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district on Thursday, June 26. The incident has raised serious concerns over wildlife safety in the state, home to one of the country’s highest tiger populations.
The shocking discovery was made during routine early morning patrols on June 26 by forest staff in the Hoogyam Range of the Malai Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Division.
Following the discovery, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) to conduct an inquiry and submit a detailed report within three days. Preliminary investigations suggest the animals may have died after consuming meat laced with toxic substances.
“The preliminary probe has revealed that the tigress and cubs have died unnaturally,” Minister Khandre said. “If negligence by forest staff is proven, disciplinary action will be taken against them. If this incident is confirmed to be the result of poisoning, I have instructed the officials concerned to register criminal cases against those involved.”
The forest area has been immediately cordoned off and declared a protected zone. Standard Scene of Crime (SoC) protocols have been enforced, with a 500-metre radius being scanned and secured for evidence collection.
A five-member expert team has undertaken a comprehensive necropsy following National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) protocols. The team comprises the MM Hills Division Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Forest Veterinarian Dr Mirza Waseem, NTCA nominee from Swami Vivekananda Seva Trust Malleshappa, Chief Wildlife Warden nominee T John Peter and Veterinary Officer from Hanur Government Hospital Dr Siddaraju.
“Comprehensive tissue, blood, and stomach samples have been collected and are being processed for toxicology, histopathology, and DNA profiling to confirm the cause of death,” the forest minister said.
“Karnataka has implemented strict conservation measures and currently ranks second in the country with 563 tigers. The death of five tigers in a single day, especially in a state often hailed for its success in protecting the species, is deeply distressing,” the Minister added.
A high-level inquiry committee headed by BP Ravi, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, has been constituted. The committee has been given 14 days to submit a detailed report on the incident.
In the wake of the deaths, forest officials have intensified monitoring across the sanctuary. All anti-poaching camps have been put on high alert, and drone-based surveillance has been deployed to enhance vigilance and prevent further harm to wildlife, a press note from the Forest Minister said.