- Three men arrested for poisoning a tigress and her cubs in a retaliatory act.
- Incident sparked public outrage and political accusations of negligence.
- Karnataka holds the second-largest tiger population in India.
A tragic incident in Karnataka’s Male Mahadeshwara Hills has left wildlife authorities and conservationists outraged after a tigress and her four cubs were found dead due to poisoning. Investigations revealed the animals consumed the carcass of a cow laced with toxic chemicals.
Police swiftly arrested Maaduraju along with his accomplices, Konappa and Nagaraju, for their roles in orchestrating the poisoning. Initially, Maaduraju’s father Shivanna tried to take responsibility, but forensic evidence and interrogations led officials to the real culprits.
Vengeance in the Wild: Tigress and Cubs Fall Victim to Human-Animal Conflict in Karnataka
Karnataka’s Male Mahadeshwara Hills, part of the state’s critical tiger corridor, witnessed a grim event that underscores the increasing friction between humans and wildlife. The carcasses of a tigress and her cubs were found within the Hugyam forest range, prompting a full-scale investigation by the Forest Department. Autopsy reports later confirmed the deaths were caused by ingesting poisoned meat.
The incident began when Maaduraju discovered his cow, Kenchi, had been killed by a wild animal—likely a tiger or leopard. In an apparent act of revenge, he applied a pesticide-like poison to the dead cow’s body and left it in the forest. Authorities believe that while the tigress initially fed alone, she returned with her cubs to the carcass, unaware of the fatal trap laid before them.
Public backlash was swift, with conservationists, citizens, and wildlife organizations demanding stringent legal action. The deaths not only reflect a loss to Karnataka’s rich biodiversity but also expose the fragile trust between forest-edge communities and wildlife enforcement agencies. The opposition BJP criticized the state government for inadequate surveillance and lack of proactive compensation measures for cattle loss.
Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre assured the public that those responsible would be prosecuted under relevant wildlife protection laws. With Karnataka home to over 560 tigers, second only to Madhya Pradesh, such incidents jeopardize years of conservation work. Officials now face the dual challenge of protecting endangered wildlife while addressing legitimate concerns of local residents living in close proximity to forest zones.
This tragic case is a stark reminder of the delicate balance between wildlife conservation and human livelihood. Preventing such conflicts demands compassion, education, and vigilance.
“The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” – Mahatma Gandhi
