Overview

• On June 26, forest staff discovered a tigress and her four cubs dead in the Hoogyam range of Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary with initial signs pointing to poisoning after a half-eaten cow carcass was found nearby.
• Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre ordered an immediate high-level probe under the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, mandating criminal proceedings if the inquiry confirms poisoning or negligence and a report due within three days.
• Investigators have invoked standard crime-scene protocols and collected tissue, blood and stomach samples for toxicology and DNA analysis while the forest department escalates anti-poaching measures.
• The incident highlights concerns over Karnataka’s wildlife protection given its 563-strong tiger population and underscores calls to upgrade the 906 sq km sanctuary to full tiger reserve status.
• Authorities have intensified monitoring across the Hugyam range with drones, infrared cameras and GPS-based M-STRIPES patrols and pledged action against anyone found responsible or any negligent staff.