Bengaluru, June 27 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the death of a tigress and her four cubs in Chamarajanagar district's Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. Two individuals have been taken into custody for questioning in connection with the incident.
Speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah said necessary orders had already been issued and promised strict action based on the outcome of the inquiry. "The investigation is underway. Once the report is submitted, we will take appropriate action," the Chief Minister assured.
The deaths, believed to be a case of poisoning, came to light yesterday after forest officials found the carcasses in the Meenyam forest area under the Hoogyam range of the sanctuary.
Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre termed the deaths "deeply saddening," and said the government was taking the matter seriously. "A team led by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) has been constituted and directed to submit a report within three days," he informed.
Preliminary findings suggest the tigress had killed a cow left to graze in the forest and dragged it into the woods. She and her cubs reportedly fed on the carcass over the next few days, which officials suspect was laced with poison by local villagers. "The post-mortem has been completed, and viscera samples have been sent to the laboratory for confirmation," Khandre said.
The minister further stated that the tiger conservation effort is a joint responsibility of both the Centre and the state. "The Central government must release funds for the Tiger Project as per expectations. This is not a political issue — we must work in coordination to protect our wildlife," he said, adding that he had discussed the issue in detail with CM Siddaramaiah.
A joint forest-police team has launched a search for the owner of the cow believed to have triggered the chain of events. "We are treating this incident with utmost seriousness. There will be complete transparency in the investigation," Khandre said.
Initial reports mentioned the deaths of the tigress and three cubs, but authorities later confirmed that all four cubs had perished along with their mother, all victims of suspected poisoning. UNI BDN SSP