States » SouthPosted at: Jun 28 2025 1:08PM


Six detained in MM Hills tiger deaths

Chamarajanagar, June 28 (UNI) Six people have been detained in connection with the tragic poisoning deaths of an eight-year-old tigress and her four cubs in the Hugyam forest range of Male Mahadeshwara Hills in Karnataka.
Forest officials made the grim discovery during a routine patrol on June 26 in Hanur taluk.
A joint probe by the forest department and local police led to the detention of six individuals from Kallebboddi village. The primary suspect, 55-year-old Shivanna, allegedly poisoned the big cats in retaliation for the loss of one of his cows to a tiger attack.
According to forest officials, Shivanna and his absconding son laced another cow carcass with pesticide-laced poison, which was then consumed by the tigress and her cubs.
The five other detainees are being questioned for their suspected roles in either aiding the crime or attempting to conceal it. All are currently in custody at the forest department’s rest house in Gajanur.
Post-mortem examinations confirmed that the animals died due to poisoning. “The tigers had ingested flesh from the rear portion of a poisoned cow carcass. Toxic residues were found in their stomachs,” said T Heera Lal, Chief Conservator of Forests, Chamarajanagar. Samples have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for further testing.
Officials estimate the deaths occurred around three days prior to the discovery. The carcasses were cremated in accordance with National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) protocols.
Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre visited the site and strongly condemned the killings. “Strict action will be taken. This is a grave crime and a major blow to wildlife conservation,” he stated. Khandre also announced a high-level inquiry and pledged accountability if forest staff negligence is found.
The incident has drawn political condemnation. Karnataka BJP President Vijayendra Yediyurappa described the act as "heinous and inhumane" and urged a thorough probe. “These deaths are especially disturbing, given the cultural reverence for tigers in the sacred Male Mahadeshwara Hills,” he said.
Karnataka, which hosts India’s second-largest tiger population, now mourns the loss of five more tigers, marking a severe setback to conservation efforts in the region.
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