<p>Chamarajanagar: A day after the <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/death-of-five-tigers-in-karnataka-due-to-poisoning-ccf-3605638">death of five tigers</a> due to poisoning at Malai Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, created ripples across the state and invited the wrath of environmentalists, Minister of Forest, Ecology and Environment Eshwar B Khandre, members of a high-level committee and experts rushed to Hoogyam forest area, on Friday.</p><p>Speaking to reporters, Khandre said that the preliminary reports have revealed that the tiger deaths were due to poisoning. “Strict action will be taken against those responsible for the death of the five tigers. It is a crime. Whoever is involved, legal action will be taken against them,” he said.</p><p>Chief Conservator of Forest (Chamarajanagar Circle) T Hiralal also said that the post-mortem was conducted and the viscera and samples of the tigers and also that of the cow, that was found nearby, have been sent to the lab for testing. “Investigation is being conducted if the cow’s carcass was laced with poison after the tiger attacked it, or if the carcass was intentionally laced with poison and placed inside the forest,” he said.</p>.Vijayendra urges Karnataka govt to roll out special schemes for tiger protection.<p>Khandre also witnessed the cremation of tigers. He gathered information from the officials and ordered a multi-pronged probe. He said, “Only because of the necessary measures taken by the state government for wildlife protection, Karnataka is in second place in the number of tigers. But the death of five tigers at a time is shocking.”</p><p>Vigilance will be given priority and latest technology will be adopted to prevent recurrence of the incident. The government has been taking all measures to prevent human-animal conflict, like railway-track fences and providing necessary equipment to the Elephant Task Force, he assured. “As soon as I learnt about the death of tigers, I ordered a high-level probe. National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) representatives and wildlife experts are on the spot. The post-mortem has been conducted and the carcasses were cremated as per the NTCA norms. Future action will be taken after the report is available,” the minister said.</p><p>He said that there are reports of non-payment of salaries to the outsourced frontline personnel. “Investigation will be conducted and action will be taken to ensure timely payment of salaries. If the investigation reveals negligence on the part of the officials, they will not be spared,” he added.</p>.Tiger deaths in Karnataka: Carcasses remained for days just 900 metres away from anti-poaching camp.<p><strong>Chemical found</strong></p><p>A chemical ‘phorate’ was found on the carcass of the cow and the four cubs died first, after consuming the meat. The tigress might have died later, experts explained. Investigation will be conducted if the cattle from Tamil Nadu are being brought into Karnataka illegally, besides allegations of dereliction of duty by the Forest department officials and staff.</p><p>A few persons of Koppa village, under Meenyam Gram Panchayat, including the dead cattle owner, have been taken into custody and inquired, sources said. The NTCA has formed a special investigation team to investigate the unnatural death of the tigers. NTCA DIGF G Bhanumathi has asked the investigation team to submit a report within two weeks.</p>
<p>Chamarajanagar: A day after the <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/death-of-five-tigers-in-karnataka-due-to-poisoning-ccf-3605638">death of five tigers</a> due to poisoning at Malai Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, created ripples across the state and invited the wrath of environmentalists, Minister of Forest, Ecology and Environment Eshwar B Khandre, members of a high-level committee and experts rushed to Hoogyam forest area, on Friday.</p><p>Speaking to reporters, Khandre said that the preliminary reports have revealed that the tiger deaths were due to poisoning. “Strict action will be taken against those responsible for the death of the five tigers. It is a crime. Whoever is involved, legal action will be taken against them,” he said.</p><p>Chief Conservator of Forest (Chamarajanagar Circle) T Hiralal also said that the post-mortem was conducted and the viscera and samples of the tigers and also that of the cow, that was found nearby, have been sent to the lab for testing. “Investigation is being conducted if the cow’s carcass was laced with poison after the tiger attacked it, or if the carcass was intentionally laced with poison and placed inside the forest,” he said.</p>.Vijayendra urges Karnataka govt to roll out special schemes for tiger protection.<p>Khandre also witnessed the cremation of tigers. He gathered information from the officials and ordered a multi-pronged probe. He said, “Only because of the necessary measures taken by the state government for wildlife protection, Karnataka is in second place in the number of tigers. But the death of five tigers at a time is shocking.”</p><p>Vigilance will be given priority and latest technology will be adopted to prevent recurrence of the incident. The government has been taking all measures to prevent human-animal conflict, like railway-track fences and providing necessary equipment to the Elephant Task Force, he assured. “As soon as I learnt about the death of tigers, I ordered a high-level probe. National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) representatives and wildlife experts are on the spot. The post-mortem has been conducted and the carcasses were cremated as per the NTCA norms. Future action will be taken after the report is available,” the minister said.</p><p>He said that there are reports of non-payment of salaries to the outsourced frontline personnel. “Investigation will be conducted and action will be taken to ensure timely payment of salaries. If the investigation reveals negligence on the part of the officials, they will not be spared,” he added.</p>.Tiger deaths in Karnataka: Carcasses remained for days just 900 metres away from anti-poaching camp.<p><strong>Chemical found</strong></p><p>A chemical ‘phorate’ was found on the carcass of the cow and the four cubs died first, after consuming the meat. The tigress might have died later, experts explained. Investigation will be conducted if the cattle from Tamil Nadu are being brought into Karnataka illegally, besides allegations of dereliction of duty by the Forest department officials and staff.</p><p>A few persons of Koppa village, under Meenyam Gram Panchayat, including the dead cattle owner, have been taken into custody and inquired, sources said. The NTCA has formed a special investigation team to investigate the unnatural death of the tigers. NTCA DIGF G Bhanumathi has asked the investigation team to submit a report within two weeks.</p>