Villagers Accused of Poisoning Tiger in Wildlife Sanctuary

On October 6, 2025, forest officials in the Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary presented four men accused of killing a tiger to the Kollegal taluk government hospital for medical examination before they were to be produced in court.

The four men, identified as Pachamalla, Ganesh, Govindegowda, and Sampu, all residents of Pachchedoddi village, were arrested on October 5, 2025, after an investigation by the forest department. According to officials, the accused cattle herders allegedly poisoned a cow that had been attacked by the tiger. When the animal later returned to feed on the poisoned carcass, it led to the tiger's death.

"It appears the men acted out of anger after repeated cattle attacks. In retaliation, they laced the carcass with poison and later dismembered the tiger's body," said MM Hills deputy conservator of forests N Bhaskar. The tiger's remains, including claws, teeth, and four legs, were found partially buried in the Hanur sector of the sanctuary.

Preliminary examination indicated the tiger was a 12-year-old male. Bhaskar described the incident as a "shocking act of cruelty" and stated that the forest department is determined to ensure maximum punishment for the accused under the Wildlife Protection Act. The department is also tracing the remains of the poisoned cow that led to the tiger's death.

Following the incident, state forest minister Eshwar Khandre on October 5, 2025, had directed officials to hold consultations with residents and submit a report on declaring the area a tiger reserve.