A leopard’s lifeless body was discovered near Bhadravati, Barandur, on Monday morning, sparking suspicions of poaching. Forest department officials conducted a post-mortem examination under the supervision of the Bhadravati Veterinary Officer, revealing severe injuries as the cause of death.
_Investigation Underway_
Bhadravati Division DCF Ashish Reddy revealed to the Rainland team that poachers might be responsible for the leopard’s death, possibly using sharp spears. “The crime could have taken place anywhere within a 100-kilometer radius, as there are no check posts from Tarikere to Bhadravati Barandur,” Reddy said.
_Expert Insights: Unraveling the Trail of Clues_
The Rainland team weighed in on the incident, providing valuable insights into the modus operandi of poachers in the region. “Historically, hunters in this division have employed stealthy tactics, utilizing homemade, soundless weapons like sharp-pointed canes and spears to target wild animals,” they observed. “It’s plausible that the poachers inadvertently killed the leopard, exploiting the lack of surveillance infrastructure along the 80-kilometer stretch from Tarikere to Antaragange.”
_Concerns and Next Steps_
The forest department is scrutinizing CCTV footage to track down the perpetrators. However, the possibility of the accused transporting the dead leopard to mislead forest staff cannot be ruled out. A comprehensive investigation is essential to unravel the truth behind the leopard’s tragic demise.
