Tiger deaths in Karnataka: Carcasses remained for days just 900 metres away from anti-poaching camp

Bengaluru: The site where five tigers were found dead in Malai Mahadeshwara Hills is located less than 900 metres from the anti-poaching camp and a little over 100 metres from a tarred road. This has raised doubts on the department's management of the conservation efforts in the area with questions raised over the delay in the detection of the tigers.

The death of tigers in the Hoogyam range of MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary has led to inquiries at state and central level. The suspicion that the tigers have been poisoned was bolstered by the finding of a carcass nearby. Questions were also raised as to how it can take more than three days for the department to take note of the death of five tigers.

The anti-poaching camp is located about 870 metres north of the spot where the carcasses of the five big cats were recovered. About 135 metres west of the spot is the asphalted road connecting Modahalli and Dinnahalli, in Hanur Taluk.

"The putrefaction is evident. That means the death must have occurred at least three days prior. What one doesn't understand is how it can go unnoticed by the department staff, when the anti-poaching camp is so close," an official said.

Sources said the staffers had not been regular to the camp due to non-payment of wages for more than three months. "The staffers are outsourced labourers who get about Rs 10,000 and risk their life. The lack of payment means it is hard to say if anyone was even present in the camp. Only an investigation will show who was responsible for the mess," the source noted.

MM Hills deputy conservator of forests Y Chakrapani and Chamarajanagar conservator T Heeralal did not respond to calls and messages.