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MP Tiger Deaths Spark SIT Probe Amid Poaching Fears
20 Jan
Summary
- 54 tigers died in Madhya Pradesh in 2025, highest since 1973.
- PIL cited NDTV report exposing unnatural deaths, citing poaching.
- Forest Department formed SIT to investigate tiger and leopard deaths.
Madhya Pradesh's reputation as the 'Tiger State' is under serious question following alarming tiger mortality figures in 2025. A Public Interest Litigation filed in the High Court, explicitly referencing an NDTV report from December 16, 2025, revealed that 54 tigers died in the state that year. This represents the highest number of tiger deaths recorded since the launch of Project Tiger in 1973.
The petition highlighted a stark contrast between official conservation narratives and the grim situation on the ground, particularly noting unnatural deaths in major reserves. These deaths were attributed to electrocution, poaching, snare traps, and suspected negligence, raising concerns about forest surveillance and enforcement.
In response to the PIL and ongoing reports of unusual tiger and leopard deaths over the past two months, the Forest Department issued an order on January 19, 2026. Acknowledging the extremely serious and alarming nature of the situation, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted. This SIT will conduct a detailed and impartial investigation into all recent tiger and leopard deaths, fix accountability for any negligence, and propose preventive measures to curb future occurrences.
