Bengaluru, 1 July

State Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has directed senior officials to submit a detailed report within 10 days on tiger deaths recorded in the state over the past five-and-a-half years.

The move comes after media reports claimed that 82 tigers had died during this period. Shocked by the figures, the Minister has asked the Additional Chief Secretary and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) to categorise each death as natural or unnatural, and to specify the causes. He also sought clarification on whether investigations were conducted in cases of unnatural deaths.

Officials must report if any tigers were mutilated for body parts such as claws or canines, and whether any staff faced disciplinary action for negligence. Details of arrests, convictions, and delays in poaching investigations have also been requested.

Separately, Khandre ordered an inquiry into the alleged killing of a leopard in the Ramapura–Martalli area of Chamarajanagar district last month. Reports suggest the leopard’s legs were amputated. The Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests will lead the probe and submit a report within seven days.