Decomposed carcass of an adult tigress was found under mysterious circumstances in Rukhad Range under the jurisdiction of Pench Tiger Reserve, on Saturday. The carcass of partially buried under the sand and its all four of her paws were amputated sharp weapon and forcibly extracted three of her canine teeth. According to Pench Tiger Reserve administration, on Saturday morning, during routine patrolling in the Rukhad Beat under the Rukhad Range, the patrolling team noticed a foul smell emanating from the Masoor Nala stream.

 

Upon following the scent, they reached a deep ravine-like area, where they discovered the partially buried carcass of a tiger in the sand. Approximately one-third of the body was visible while the remaining two-thirds was buried. Upon matching the physical features with the Tiger Reserve’s photo database, it was confirmed that the deceased animal was a tigress, first identified in 2016 as an adult through camera trap monitoring and recorded under ID PN-42. At that time, she was estimated to be around 2 to 3 years old, making her approximately 12 years or older at the time of death. A team led by Senior Wildlife Veterinarian

 

Dr Akhilesh Mishra conducted a post-mortem examination of the carcass following NTCA SOPs (National Tiger Conservation Authority Standard Operating Procedures). The examination revealed no signs of poisoning, electrocution, or gunshot wounds. Preliminary observations suggest that the tigress died of natural causes. However, it was found that after her death, some miscreants entered the forest, amputated all four of her paws using an axe or other sharp weapon, and forcibly extracted three of her canine teeth. Following the post-mortem, the carcass was cremated in the presence of the Field Director of Pench Tiger Reserve, the Deputy Director, and other members of the Cremation Committee as per NTCA protocol. Further investigation is going on. Field Director of Pench Tiger Reserve, Devprasad, has announced a reward of Rs 10,000 for credible information leading to the identification of those responsible for mutilating the tigress. Anyone with information is requested to contact 7447443015. The identity of the informant will be kept strictly confidential.