Mysuru, 27 June

The discovery of a seemingly decomposed carcass of a cow in Hugyam forest range in Mahadeshwara Hills on Friday has strengthened suspicion that the death of a tigress and her four cubs in the area could be caused by poisoning, officials said. The carcasses were found on Thursday.

It is suspected that someone intentionally poisoned the cow, and the tigress and its cubs died after eating the carcass.

"Either the cow was poisoned before being left in the forest, or its owner, after spotting the dead cow, poisoned the carcass, which the tigress and her cubs ate and died," the officer said.

Karnataka ForestMinister Eshwar Khandre also supported this theory.  He said someone might have poisoned the cow, which led to the death of the big cats.

"Our government has taken the matter very seriously, and we will investigate it from all angles. We will not spare those behind it," said Khandre.

Confirming the suspicions, Chamarajanagar Chief Conservator of Forests T  Heeralal said on Friday that his department has initiated an investigation. He said his is also interrogating around five persons from Koppa village in Meenayam Gram Panchayat limits to find the owner of the dead cow.

Heeralal said his department is also interrogating the cowherds and cattle owners of the nearby villages, as they leave their cattle for grazing inside the forest.

A large number of farmers living villages on the fringes of the forest depend on dairy farming for their living. As forest watchers were not being paid on time, they were not monitoring the areas effectively, sources said.

A large number of farmers living villages on the fringes of the forest depend on dairy farming for their living. As forest watchers were not being paid on time, they were not monitoring the areas effectively, sources said.

The awareness that 'the survival of the human race depends on the protection of wildlife' needs to spread further. The government must initiate a widespread awareness campaign, emphasising that every wild animal is a friend of human society and a national treasure

BY Vijayendra, State BJP President