Nagpur: A shocking case of tiger poaching has been reported in the Khapa Forest Range near Siroji village on Holi, where a male tiger was found dead in Bhangala Nala. Authorities suspect electrocution as the cause of death, and an investigation is underway to track down the perpetrators.
On March 14, local residents of Siroji informed Nagalwadi Range Officer S.D. Gadlinge about a wild animal carcass near Bhangala Nala. Upon arrival, forest officials, including Pravin Lele, the Wildlife Range Forest Officer, confirmed that the dead animal was a male tiger, estimated to be 3 to 3.5 years old.
Preliminary inspection revealed that poachers had removed the tiger’s paws, whiskers, and teeth. Senior forest officials, including Deputy Conservator of Forests Dr. Bharat Singh Hada and Assistant Conservator of Forests V.C. Gangawane, were immediately notified and reached the site for further assessment.
Evidence of Electrocution and Poaching:
During the investigation, forest officials discovered a makeshift electric trap near an 11 KV power line. The setup, involving iron wires and bamboo poles, was designed to kill wild animals. The equipment was seized, and preliminary findings suggest the tiger was electrocuted. To aid the investigation, officials also deployed a dog squad from the Pench Tiger Reserve, Nagpur.
Post-Mortem and Forensic Examination:
A team of veterinary experts, including Dr. Rajesh Phulsunge (Nagpur), Dr. Mayur Pawashe (WRTC Gorewada), and Dr. Mayank Barde (Pench Tiger Reserve), conducted the tiger’s post-mortem following guidelines issued by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). Representatives from the wildlife department, NTCA, and local wildlife biologist Shrikant Dhoble were also present.
To gather further evidence, viscera samples were collected and sent for forensic examination at the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, Nagpur.
Search for Suspects Underway:
Authorities have launched an extensive search operation to identify and apprehend those responsible for the poaching. Investigators are analyzing evidence found at the crime scene and cross-checking details with past wildlife crime records.
The probe is being led by Assistant Conservator of Forests V.C. Gangawane and Range Officer S.G. Athawale, under the guidance of Deputy Conservator of Forests Dr. Bharat Singh Hada.Khapa police are assisting in maintaining law and order, with Khapa Police Station Officer Girisaheb and Sub-Divisional Police Officer Anil Maske (IPS) present at the scene.
Authorities have assured that stringent action will be taken against the perpetrators to curb illegal poaching activities in the region.
