A heartbreaking incident has come to light from Karnataka’s M.M. Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, where five tigers, including an 11-year-old tigress and her four cubs, were found dead. Forest officials believe the big cats died after eating a poisoned cow carcass. The deaths are suspected to have happened on June 25 and have led to a criminal investigation.

The tigress, first seen in 2014, is believed to have attacked and eaten part of a cow. She later returned to the same spot with her cubs. Soon after, all five tigers died. Forest staff now think the cow may have been used as poisoned bait. Post-mortem examinations were done following National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) guidelines. Toxicology test results are still awaited.

State orders inquiry as forest department faces criticism

The Karnataka state government has confirmed the deaths and ordered a high-level investigation. Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre said, “Preliminary reports indicate that all these are unnatural deaths. According to protocol, a postmortem will be conducted. This is a heart-wrenching incident. I am instructing the vigilance squad to work more efficiently and increase monitoring rounds at all national parks and sanctuaries in the state.”

But criticism is growing. Environmentalist Joseph Hoover strongly condemned the lack of proper forest surveillance. He blamed the poor working conditions of forest staff, saying, “What was the DCF doing? These forest watchers have not been paid for months, and they have raised these issues with the officers. How do we expect them to go into the forest and do their duty?”

The state forest department has now formed a committee of senior officers, a veterinary expert, and a wildlife biologist to study the case. They have collected samples for toxicology, DNA, and tissue analysis. A full report is expected in two weeks.

Officials launch new measures and search for clues

The M.M. Hills Sanctuary, located in Chamarajanagar district, is part of the Eastern Ghats and home to many big cats. Karnataka is known for having the second-largest tiger population in India, with 563 tigers, according to the latest count.

After the deaths, forest authorities announced new steps to prevent such incidents. These include GPS-based patrolling, infrared cameras for real-time surveillance, anti-snare drives, and stronger alerts at anti-poaching camps.

Investigators are also looking into how the cow carcass reached the forest. Local herdsmen are being questioned, but no one has claimed the dead animal. Officials are checking whether cattle illegally entered the sanctuary or whether the cow was deliberately left to kill wildlife. They are also checking if cattle grazing permissions in the core sanctuary area had expired or were being allowed unofficially.

The shocking loss of an entire tiger family has deeply affected wildlife lovers and conservationists. Many are now demanding better support for forest workers and the use of technology to improve safety in India’s protected areas. While the exact motive is still unknown, poaching has not been ruled out.

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