Karnataka Five Tigers Death Case: Three Persons Arrested In Chamarajanagar

Chamarajanagar: Forest department officials have arrested three individuals in connection with the deaths of five tigers, including a 8-year-old mother tigress and her four cubs aged 8-10 months, in the Meenyam forest area of Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka's Chamarajanagar. The arrested accused have been identified as Konappa, Madaraju, and Nagaraja of Koppa village in Hanur taluk of the district.

Initial post-mortem examinations revealed that the tigers died of poisoning.

Officials said that a thorough investigation led to the arrests, and the accused are currently being questioned.

Sources said samples from the body parts of the tigers and a dead cow have been sent to the forensic science laboratory for further investigation.

The case came to light three days after the tigers died. The carcasses were cremated on Friday as per NTCA guidelines, in the presence of Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre. Khandre expressed sorrow over the incident and assured a comprehensive, high-level investigation. He stated that all complaints would be examined, and strict legal action would be taken based on the report, which is expected within three to four days.

Retired DCF Poovaiah noted that if poisoning is confirmed, the culprits could face up to seven years in prison.

This is the first such incident, according to sources in the Forest Department, where five tigers have been killed in a single episode.

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1. Five Tigers Found Dead In Karnataka's MM Hills Sanctuary, Forest Officials Suspect Poisoning Could Be Cause Of Death
2. Five Tigers Allegedly Died After Eating A Poisoned Cow, Says Karnataka Forest Department