The carcass of an adult tiger was found in the Arjunjhir beat of the Dudhiya Circle in the Keolari forest range of the district. Forest officials on their daily patrol spotted the carcass and immediately informed the authorities. Following this, further action was initiated in accordance with the guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). NTCA representative, Animesh Chavan arrived at the scene upon receiving the news of the tiger’s death. A dog squad team from the Kanha Tiger Reserve thoroughly inspected the area, but found no evidence of human interference or suspicious activity. Wildlife expert Dr Akhilesh Mishra of the Pench Tiger Reserve and Dr. Hamza Nadeem Farooqui of the Wildlife Conservation Trust (WCT) subsequently examined the tiger's carcass.

 

According to forest officials, all vital organs, including nails, teeth, whiskers, and skin, were found safe. This clearly rules out poaching or smuggling. DFO, Gaurav Mishra, based on a preliminary investigation, stated that the tiger’s death was due to a conflict with another tiger (a territorial dominance battle). Deep claw and tooth wounds from another large animal were found on the dead tiger’s body, suggesting a bloody fight between two tigers to defend or seize territory. According to experts, such violent clashes over dominance and territory are natural in forests where tiger populations are increasing. After completing all necessary procedures and conducting a post-mortem, the tiger’s body was cremated in the presence of senior officials. As a precaution, the Forest Department has increased security and patrolling throughout the area to monitor the activities of other tigers active in the surrounding forests.