Chamarajanagar, Karnataka — In a tragic incident that has sparked widespread outrage, a tigress and her four cubs were found dead in the Hugyam forest range of Male Mahadeshwara Hills (MM Hills) on Thursday, with subsequent investigation confirming poisoning as the cause.
Police on Saturday arrested two suspects, identified as Maada alias Maaduraju and his friend Nagaraju, for allegedly poisoning the big cats in retaliation for a livestock loss.
🐅 What Happened:
According to forest and police officials, the tigress had preyed on a cow belonging to Maaduraju. Enraged by the loss of his cow, named Kenchi, he reportedly laced the carcass with poison and left it in the open. When the tigress returned with her cubs to feed on the carcass, all five died after consuming the poisoned meat.
A breakthrough in the investigation came when forest personnel discovered the remains of the poisoned cow, linking it to Maaduraju. Both suspects were taken into custody and brought to Aranya Bhavan in Meenyam, Hanuru Taluk, for further interrogation.
👮 Family Interference:
During the probe, Maaduraju’s father Shivanna approached police claiming responsibility for the poisoning. However, evidence clearly pointed to Maaduraju and Nagaraju’s involvement. Shivanna was later released after questioning.
🗣️ Officials Speak Out:
A senior forest official stated,
“This is a case of human-wildlife conflict spiraling into criminal retaliation. It is unfortunate and illegal. We will ensure strict action is taken under wildlife protection laws.”
The forest department has registered a case under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and investigations are ongoing to determine if more individuals were involved.
🐾 Conservationists React:
Wildlife activists have condemned the act, calling it a “devastating blow to tiger conservation efforts” in the region, which is home to a fragile tiger population.