Bengaluru, 2 Jan

Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre ordered an inquiry into the death of a pregnant leopard in the Basavanatara forest, amid allegations that illegal stone quarrying may be the cause of death. The leopard’s carcass, carrying three cubs, was found on 26 December near Kanakapura Road, Bengaluru Urban district.

The inquiry follows allegations of stone quarrying and mining activities around the Kaggalipura forest, raised by Yeswanthpur MLA, ST Somashekar. The forest area, located near human settlements, has faced increasing infrastructure development and mining in recent years. Acting on Somashekar’s claims, Khandre ordered the investigation into possible forest law violations.

Khandre confirmed that an FIR has been registered in connection with the leopard’s death. The probe will examine whether mining-related disturbances contributed to the death.

The incident has triggered outrage among wildlife conservationists and activists, who have repeatedly flagged the threat posed by unregulated quarrying to forest ecosystems around Bengaluru. Forest department officials said they have intensified patrolling in the area and are collecting evidence, including mining records and conducting site inspections.