An image of the dead tigress
Deputy Conservator of Forests suspended over tigress and cubs’ death in MM Hills Wildlife Division
Bengaluru
The Karnataka government has suspended Chakrapani Y, Deputy Conservator of Forests, M.M. Hills Wildlife Division, Kollegal, following a High-Level Inquiry into the death of a tigress and four cubs in the Hoogyam Range on June 26, 2025.
The official suspension order, issued under Rule 3(1)(a) of the All India Service (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969, cites prima facie evidence of negligence and dereliction of duty. The decision comes in the wake of disturbing findings by the inquiry committee, including the suspected poisoning of the animals and gross administrative failures in handling forest staff salaries.
Key findings of the inquiry:
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Cause of Death | Preliminary veterinary reports suggest the tigress and cubs ingested a toxic chemical compound. Final confirmation is awaited from the Forensic Science Lab. |
| Salary Delays | Outsourced Anti-Poaching Camp (APC) watchers had not received salaries for March, April, and May 2025, leading to protests in front of the Division Office on June 23. |
| Contractor Negligence | The labour contractor failed to pay wages to APC watchers, despite funds for April and May being made available by the end of April 2025. |
| Ground-Level Testimonies | Watchers reported borrowing money at high interest to survive while still diligently patrolling forest areas. |
| Administrative Lapses | Forest officials failed to prioritise salary disbursements and delayed bill submissions to the Treasury, contributing to unrest among field staff. |
The High-Level-Inquiry Committee also noted that during the protest, officers including the ACF of Kollegal, RFOs of Hanur, Ramapura, and Hoogyam were present but did not act effectively to resolve the grievances.
The government order emphasised that the suspension is necessary pending a detailed inquiry. During this period, Sri Chakrapani Y will receive subsistence allowance but is restricted from leaving headquarters without state permission.
The incident has sparked concerns over management lapses in Karnataka’s protected forest zones, with the government expected to tighten accountability measures across divisions.
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