Bengaluru: Karnataka Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the death of a tiger caught in a snare in the Maddur range of Bandipur Tiger Reserve and the disappearance of a wild elephant’s tusk in the Karadikallu hill area. A detailed report has been sought within a week.
The minister has directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to investigate the circumstances surrounding both incidents, examine possible poaching links and determine whether there were lapses in patrolling, supervision or wildlife protection.
The probe will examine physical evidence from the sites, photographs, staff statements, patrol records, post-mortem findings and laboratory reports. Investigators have also been asked to identify who allegedly set the snare that led to the tiger’s death and establish how the elephant’s tusk went missing.
The inquiry must determine whether poachers were involved in either incident and whether the two cases are connected. Officials have been instructed to ensure that evidence is preserved.
The performance of Range Forest Officers, Deputy Range Forest Officers, beat staff and supervisory personnel will be reviewed. Investigators will verify the timing of the last patrol, staff deployment, monitoring of forest access and whether officials had received prior information about illegal activities.
If negligence or dereliction of duty is established, responsibility must be fixed and disciplinary action initiated under the applicable rules, the minister directed.
All Deputy Conservators of Forests and Assistant Conservators of Forests across Karnataka have also been instructed to personally inspect forest areas under their jurisdiction and assess patrolling arrangements, staff performance and wildlife protection measures.
The department has been directed to strengthen patrols in tiger reserves and sensitive forest areas, improve staff deployment and maintain continuous surveillance to prevent illegal activities.
The report due within a week must detail investigation progress, probable causes, evidence collected, possible poaching involvement, officials’ performance and corrective measures taken or proposed.
The directive stresses the need for effective monitoring and accountability to protect wildlife and forest resources and prevent similar incidents.
