Bengaluru Forest, Biology and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre has come down heavily on forest officials for their alleged negligence that led to the unnatural death of five tigers in the Male Mahadeshwara Hills wildlife range, recommending the immediate suspension of Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Chakrapani and three other officers.
The minister’s strong recommendation comes after he reviewed the preliminary report submitted by the high-level committee investigating the shocking incident in which an 11-year-old tigress and her four cubs, aged around 10–11 months, died after allegedly consuming poisoned cattle carcasses.
“The death of five tigers in such an unnatural and cruel manner is an unpardonable failure on the part of the officials concerned. It is clear that there was gross negligence and dereliction of duty by the staff who were responsible for protecting our forests and precious wildlife,” said Minister Eshwar Khandre, expressing serious concern while speaking to reporters in Bengaluru today.
The high-level committee, headed by Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Kumar Pushkar, submitted its initial findings pointing to serious lapses in patrolling and monitoring by forest staff. Wildlife experts Dr. Sanjay Gubbi, Assistant Director of Mysore Zoo Dr. Shashidhar, APCCF Srinivasulu, Chamarajanagar CCF Hiralal, and AIG Harini Venugopal from the National Tiger Conservation Authority are also part of the probe team.
One of the key points highlighted in the report is the non-payment of salaries to outsourced frontline staff for nearly three months, despite funds being released by the end of April. The delay in salary disbursement resulted in the demoralisation of the patrol staff, who then allegedly failed to perform routine monitoring duties effectively.
“Not paying salaries to frontline staff even after releasing funds is a clear dereliction of duty. Because of this, our ground-level protection system broke down at a critical time. DCF Chakrapani must be held accountable for this lapse. I have recommended his immediate suspension and a detailed departmental inquiry,” Minister Khandre said.
On June 23, outsourced forest staff staged a protest over pending salaries, further exposing internal administrative lapses. The minister said this should never have happened in such an ecologically sensitive area, especially one that is home to tigers and other endangered wildlife.
The preliminary probe confirmed that the tigers died after consuming the carcass of a cow laced with chemical poison, which had been deliberately done by local miscreants in retaliation for livestock predation. The minister said this should have been anticipated and prevented by robust patrolling and immediate response mechanisms.
“It is the responsibility of the ACF, RFO, DRFO and all field staff to ensure that such retaliatory poisonings are prevented. Their failure to monitor cattle kills and patrol the area effectively is unacceptable. I have ordered the immediate suspension of three frontline staffers and a departmental inquiry to fix accountability,” Khandre said sternly.
The Forest Minister has also asked the committee to submit its final report by July 10. He assured that strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty of negligence, however senior or junior they may be.
“This is not just about five tigers; it’s about the credibility of our entire conservation mechanism. Such carelessness sends a wrong signal and emboldens poachers and miscreants. We will not allow this to happen again,” Minister Khandre warned.
The Male Mahadeshwara Hills region, spread across Chamarajanagar district, is a crucial part of the tiger corridor that connects BRT, Bandipur, and Sathyamangalam tiger reserves. Conservationists have raised alarm over frequent instances of poisoning and habitat disturbance in this region.
The minister also directed that stronger surveillance measures, better coordination with local communities, and prompt redressal of cattle kill compensation should be prioritised to prevent future revenge killings of wildlife.
“We must remember that our frontline forest staff are our first line of defence. They must be supported with salaries on time, resources, and clear accountability. There is no excuse for negligence,” Khandre said, adding that he has instructed the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms to act on the suspension recommendations immediately.
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