MM Hills Tiger Killing: Three in Custody After One Release, Search On for Another Suspect

Overview

• Forest staff discovered the half-buried carcass on Oct. 2 in the Hanur sector, with the 12-year-old male tiger found chopped into three parts.
• Four men from Pachchedoddi — Pachchamalla, Ganesh, Govindegowda and Sampu — were arrested; Govindegowda was released after examination, and three were remanded to five-day forest custody.
• Investigators say the killing was retaliation for livestock depredation and are searching for the poisoned cow’s remains as well as another person believed to be involved.
• A post-mortem under NTCA protocol was conducted with veterinarians Dr. Waseem Mirza and Dr. Siddaraju, and samples were sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for toxicology and DNA analyses.
• The state forest minister ordered community consultations and a report on possible tiger-reserve designation, while a special team led by PCCF Smita Bijoor continues the probe.