Bengaluru, June 1: Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre has expressed shock over media reports of 82 tiger deaths in the state over the past 5.5 years and has directed forest officials to submit a detailed report on the fatalities.
The Minister has instructed the Additional Chief Secretary and Chief Wildlife Warden to investigate the deaths, categorizing them as natural or unnatural, and to provide the causes of unnatural deaths. He has also asked for updates on any ongoing investigations and their findings.
Furthermore, the Minister has sought information on whether any tiger body parts were removed, and if so, whether any staff or officials were found negligent. He has also asked for details on tiger poaching cases, including the number of arrests, convictions, and cases under investigation.
The Minister has given officials 10 days to submit a comprehensive report, including details on the status of investigations and the reasons for any delays.
