'Heads must roll': Karnataka activists on tiger deaths in forests

The killing of a tiger in Shivamogga district and the suspicious death of a tiger with a radio collar in Belur range have remained mysteries, Akhilesh Chipli said

Wildlife conservationist Akhilesh Chipli said the government cannot escape responsibility for the death of the five tigers and the repeated incidents of wildlife deaths in the state.

He said the Forest Department had previously tried to cover up the death of a tusker in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary by declaring it a female elephant. However, DNA test results showed that the elephant was a male with its tusks stolen, he said.

He said the killing of a tiger in Shivamogga district and the suspicious death of a tiger with a radio collar in Belur range have remained mysteries.

“Till now, the Forest Department has been washing its hands off by suspending the frontline staffers and, at the most, range forest officers. The IFS officers do not take any responsibility. The forest minister should rein in such officers or resign,” he said.

Activist Joseph Hoover said he has no faith in the committee set up by the state government.

Slamming the delay in the payments to the frontline staff, he said only a thorough probe will expose the systemic problems.