Five tigers dead in MM Hills: Poisoning suspected, Minister orders probe
Five tigers—tigress and four cubs—have been found dead under suspicious circumstances in the Male Mahadeshwara Hills (MM Hills) forest area. Preliminary reports had indicated the deaths of a tigress and three cubs. However, fresh inputs confirm that all five animals likely died due to poisoning.
Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre (@eshwar_khandre) expressed deep anguish over the incident and has ordered an immediate high-level investigation led by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF). The minister has issued written directives to the Additional Chief Secretary and the Chief Wildlife Warden, calling for urgent action.
Khandre stated that the government views the incident with utmost seriousness. If negligence by forest staff is found, or if the deaths were caused by deliberate acts such as electrocution or poisoning, criminal cases will be filed and stringent action taken. A report has been demanded within three days.
Karnataka, home to 563 tigers, holds the second-largest tiger population in India and has long been at the forefront of tiger conservation since the launch of Project Tiger by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. “For a state renowned for wildlife protection, the unnatural death of five tigers in a single incident is deeply distressing,” the minister stated.
The forest department has confirmed that a comprehensive investigation is currently underway.
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