Last Updated:June 26, 2025, 19:57 IST

Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre took immediate note of the incident and ordered a high-level investigation

Forest department sources suspect that the deaths may have been caused by poisoning. (Image via X)

A probe has been launched after a tigress and her four cubs were found dead in the Male Mahadeshwara Hills (MM Hills) forest region in Karnataka on Thursday.

Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre took immediate note of the incident and ordered a high-level investigation into the matter. The inquiry will be led by a team under the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF).

“Karnataka stands second in the country in terms of tiger population, with 563 tigers. It is deeply saddening to learn about the death of a tigress and her three cubs in a state known for its conservation efforts," Khandre said.

He directed that an immediate inspection of the site be carried out and warned that strict action would be taken if there was any negligence by Forest Department staff. “If someone is found to have poisoned the wild animals, criminal charges must be filed against them," he added.

Khandre also said that the investigation should check whether the deaths were caused by electrocution and take proper action if that is the case.

No official statement has yet been released by the forest department regarding the cause of death as the probe is still underway.

However, forest department sources suspect that the deaths may have been caused by poisoning. The incident came to light when Forest Department staff were patrolling the reserve forest in Hanur taluk on Wednesday. It is believed the tigress and her cubs may have died after eating meat laced with poison.

The carcasses of the tigress and three cubs were found in the Meenyam forest area, within the Hoogyam range of the sanctuary.

According to sources, the tigress had earlier killed a cow and dragged it into the forest. She and her cubs are believed to have partially eaten the meat. Villagers are suspected to have found the cow’s carcass and poisoned it. The tigress and her cubs are thought to have died after returning to the kill and consuming the tainted meat.

The Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary spans 906 square kilometres and is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, leopards, and other species.

(With inputs from IANS)

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Karnataka, India, India

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News india Probe Launched After Tigress, Four Cubs Found Dead In Karnataka Forest