National

'Poisonous cow' killed 5 tigers, investigation revealed...

News On Time Desk 28 June 2025

Hugyam A major revelation has been made in the case of the mysterious death of five tigers in Hugyam forest area of Mahadeshwara Hills in Karnataka. On Friday, the carcass of a cow was recovered from the forest, which is suspected to have been killed by poisoning. Officials believe that this poisoned cow became the reason for the death of the tigress and her four cubs.

Poisoning suspected
A senior forest department official said that either the cow was poisoned before being released in the forest, or poison was sprinkled on its carcass after it died. After this, when the tigers ate the cow, the poison spread in their bodies, causing the death of all of them.

Forest Minister expressed deep concern
State Forest Minister Ishwar Khandre has also confirmed this theory. He said, "This matter is very serious. Investigation is being done from every angle. The culprits will not be spared at any cost."

Postmortem and sample investigation continues
The postmortem of the tigress was done on Thursday, while the postmortem of the four cubs was done on Friday. Blood, tissue and stomach samples of the tigers have been taken and sent for forensic examination to confirm the use of poison. Apart from this, DNA profiling will also be done.

Security increased in the forest
Following the incident, security and surveillance has been increased in the Hugyam forest area. The forest department has put GPS-based M-Stripes system, CCTV cameras, drone surveillance, and anti-poaching camps on high alert in the entire area.

Status of tiger population in India It
is worth noting that Karnataka is the second state with the largest tiger population in the country. There are about 563 tigers here. Madhya Pradesh is at the first place, where there are 785 tigers.