Three arrested after tigress and four cubs poisoned in Male Mahadeshwara Sanctuary

An eight-year-old tigress and her four 10-month-old cubs were poisoned and killed on June 26, 2025, in the Meenyam forest of the Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary near Hanur. The incident, which wiped out an entire tiger family, is one of the most significant wildlife poisoning cases in Karnataka. It highlighted the severe human-wildlife conflict regarding cattle losses in forest fringe communities.

Following the incident, the Karnataka Forest Department arrested three residents of Koppa village: Konappa, Madaraja, and Nagaraj. Forest officials concluded that the suspects laced beef bait with poison to target the tigers in retaliation for repeated cattle losses. The accused were later granted conditional bail by the Kollegal Additional District and Sessions Court after furnishing security bonds. The court directed them not to leave its jurisdiction without permission and to remain present for every hearing.

Investigators have since completed the probe and submitted the chargesheet to the trial court. Wildlife experts believe the outcome of this case is crucial, noting that poisoning protected animals carries a minimum prison sentence of three years, which can increase to five to seven years for repeat offenders. Experts argue that a timely conviction would send a strong message to those who resort to poisoning wildlife.

The tragedy also triggered swift departmental action. Then Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre ordered disciplinary proceedings against local officials for alleged negligence. Consequently, the Assistant Conservator of Forests and the Range Forest Officer were suspended, while the government recommended the suspension of the Deputy Conservator of Forests, an Indian Forest Service officer.

In the wake of the deaths, the Forest Department has altered its conservation approach by intensifying awareness programmes across villages bordering the sanctuary. These initiatives focus on wildlife protection, conflict mitigation, and environmental conservation to reduce retaliatory attacks. Meanwhile, the incident has reignited demands to declare the sanctuary a dedicated tiger reserve, though local opposition remains strong due to unresolved civic infrastructure concerns in the area.