Tigress, four cubs found dead in Karnataka sanctuary, Forest Minister orders probe

“The five carcasses were found at 11am during a routine patrol by beat staff in Hanur taluk. It is suspected that the big cats may have consumed poisoned meat, possibly placed at the spot to target them,” said T Heera Lal, Chamarajanagar chief conservator of forests.

“Prima facie it seems a case of food poisoning. The tigress, aged between 8 to 10 years, may have killed a cow and returned later to feed on the carcass, which could have been laced with poison. The cubs were around two to three years old —one male and four females. The autopsy was conducted by veterinary doctor of forest department Dr B Waseem, and we are awaiting the report,” he said.

“Physical samples from the dead tigers have been sent for forensic and toxicological analysis. Forest officials have been deployed in the area to assess the situation and collect further evidence. The investigation is also expected to explore possible motives behind the incident, such as retaliatory action from locals or potential poaching attempts,” Lal added.