• Source:JND
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Five tigers, a mother and her four cubs, were found dead in M.M. Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district, sparking grief and outrage. Officials suspect poisoning as the cause, after discovering a cow carcass laced with toxic substances nearby, believed to have been used as bait. The deaths, likely occurring on Wednesday, 25 June, have highlighted the vulnerability of India’s tiger population and triggered strong criticism over alleged lapses in the forest department’s administration.

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The 11-year-old tigress, first identified in 2014, is believed to have killed and partially consumed the cow before bringing her unsuspecting cubs back to the poisoned carcass. In the wake of this devastating loss, environmental activists have quickly pointed to the alleged non-payment of salaries to forest watchers for the past three months. They claim this has resulted in serious gaps in surveillance and monitoring, potentially allowing unauthorized entry into the sanctuary and facilitating the tragic poisoning.

Joseph Hoover, a prominent environmentalist, did not mince words as he openly questioned the effectiveness of the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) in managing the sanctuary.

“What was the DCF doing?" Hoover said, according to the News18 report. “These forest watchers have not been paid for months, and they have raised these issues with the officers. How do we expect them to go into the forest and do their duty?"

Karnataka’s Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment, Eshwar B. Khandre, has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, calling for a thorough investigation and promising strict action against those responsible. He confirmed that early signs point to the tiger deaths being unnatural.

“Preliminary reports indicate that all these are unnatural deaths. According to protocol, a postmortem will be conducted. This is a heart-wrenching incident. I am instructing the vigilance squad to work more efficiently and increase monitoring rounds at all national parks and sanctuaries in the state," Eshwar B. Khandre said, according to the News18 report.

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A high-level inquiry committee, consisting of senior forest officials, a veterinary officer, and a wildlife expert, has been formed to fast-track the investigation. The committee is expected to submit its report within 14 days. Following necropsies conducted according to NTCA protocol, samples have been collected for toxicology, histopathology, and DNA profiling.