A high-level committee has submitted its preliminary report on the unnatural deaths of 5 tigers in the Malai Mahadeshwara Hills (MM Hills) reserve forest. Based on the report, Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has recommended the suspension of 3 forest officials, including DCF Chakrapani, for alleged dereliction of duty.
The minister’s recommendation comes after the committee’s preliminary findings indicated that the officials’ negligence and failure to perform their duties may have contributed to the tiger deaths. The committee found that the DCF’s failure to pay salaries to outsourced staff on time may have affected the patrolling efforts in the forest.
The tigers’ deaths are believed to have been caused by a chemical compound sprayed on the carcass of a cow that was killed by a tiger. The compound may have attracted the tigers, leading to their deaths.
The high-level committee, led by Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Kumar Pushkar, has been tasked with submitting its final report by July 10. The committee includes experts from the wildlife sector, including the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
The minister has recommended departmental inquiries against the officials and their suspension pending the outcome of the inquiry. The incident has raised concerns about the management of the forest reserve and the need for better oversight and accountability.
