Mutilated Tiger Found in MM Hills, Probe Ordered
13-year-old tiger carcass discovered in Hanur range; poaching suspected, investigation underway
A mutilated carcass of a 13-year-old tiger was discovered in the Hanur beat of the Male Mahadeshwara (MM) Hills Wildlife Sanctuary in Chamarajanagar district on Thursday. The accused, reportedly seen near the carcass by forest patrolling personnel, escaped from the spot.
Forest officials suspect poaching as the cause of death, and Forensic Science Laboratory tests have been ordered to confirm it. Earlier in July, villagers had poisoned a tigress and her four cubs in the same range, leading to their deaths; the accused in that case were later arrested.
The tiger’s carcass was found chopped into three pieces, but its canines, paws, and hide were intact. Officials noted that the mutilated carcass had been partially covered with soil and that no weapon suspected of being used to chop the tiger was found at the site.
Vets conducted a necropsy on the carcass, but forest authorities remain unsure about the motive behind the killing, given that valuable parts like the canines and hide were left untouched.
An individual was reportedly seen near the carcass during the patrol, but managed to flee. Forest officials are working to identify the person and a search operation is underway.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has ordered a probe into the incident. The investigation, led by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Smitha Bijoor, is expected to submit a report within eight days. Khandre also directed the team to review all tiger deaths in the MM Hills over the past three years.