MM Hills tiger killing may have been act of retaliation, PCCF-led team visits site

CHAMARAJANAGAR: Two days after a male tiger was found killed in the Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, a team led by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Smita Bijjur visited the site on Saturday and gathered information from officials and staff. Preliminary investigation suggests that the killing might be a case of retaliation.

A 12-year-old, 12-foot-long tiger, weighing over 250 kg, was found brutally killed and the carcass mutilated, with its intestines and liver removed, suggesting a premeditated act to destroy evidence. The tiger’s body was dismembered into three parts, with two parts hidden in a cave and covered with leaves, while the third part was buried in the ground.

The suspects allegedly tried to destroy evidence by disposing of the tiger’s intestines and liver elsewhere. Forest officials suspect that the killing might be the handiwork of villagers living near the sanctuary. Two or three individuals are suspected to be involved, and they are currently absconding.

Environment activist John Peter said, “What is surprising is that the huge tiger was killed just 5 km from Hanur. It is for the first time in my life that I have seen such a huge tiger. The accused first poisoned it and then cut it to three pieces as they were not able to lift such a huge animal, and disposed it off. They have tried to dispose of the evidence. When the forest watchers spotted them washing their hands and called out, they ran away”.

The Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a significant tiger population and has been in the news for tiger deaths in the past. There have been demands to declare it a tiger reserve to ensure better protection for the tigers.

Meanwhile, a controversy has erupted at Bandipur National Park after a youth allegedly entered the Ramapura elephant camp illegally and took photos with the captive elephants. The photos have gone viral on social media, sparking outrage and demands for action against the individual and the camp authorities.

The youth, identified as a relative of a mahout named Salim, was seen taking photos with the elephants, including one where he is kissing an elephant. The photos have sparked widespread criticism, with many demanding action against the individual and the camp authorities for allowing unauthorized entry.

The Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) of Bandipur, Prabhakaran, has confirmed the incident and stated that action will be taken against the individual and any officials found responsible for allowing unauthorized entry. The DCF has also warned Salim, the mahout, not to repeat such incidents in the future.