Carcasses of tiger, tigress found in two days in Jaysinghnagar Forest Range

 

 

 

In a major setback for the wildlife protection campaign, the carcasses of a tiger and a tigress were found on two consecutive days at Jaysinghnagar Forest Range of Shahdol district on February 1 and 2. The incidents occurred on revenue land in village Karpa, Banchachar Beat. Sources claimed that electric current had allegedly been laid in a nearby field to protect crops from animals. The tiger and tigress are believed to have died after coming in contact with the live wire. As soon as information about the incidents was received, the Forest Department initiated prompt, sensitive and transparent action in accordance with the guidelines issued by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), New Delhi, and the Office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal.

 

Forest officials immediately secured both locations to prevent any disturbance or illegal activity. Keeping in view the possibility of wildlife crime, a dog squad was deployed and an intensive search operation was conducted in and around the sites. Post-mortem examinations of both tigers were conducted as per prescribed protocols by expert wildlife veterinarians Dr Rajesh Tomar (BTR) and Dr Abhay Singer (STR). During the examination, all body parts of the tigers were found intact, ruling out poaching at the preliminary stage. However, officials clarified that the final cause of death will be confirmed only after completion of the investigation. Following established procedures, the carcasses of both tigers were cremated. The process was carried out in the presence of Chief Conservator of Forests Mahendra Pratap Singh (IFS), Shahdol Forest Circle;

 

Divisional Forest Officer (North Shahdol) Taruna Verma (IFS); Tehsildar Sushma Dhurve; Sarpanch Krishna Kumar Singh of Gram Panchayat Pasod; NTCA representative Dr Gyanendra Prajapati; and other forest and administrative officials. Field Director Anupam Sahay (IFS), BTR, along with other concerned officers, was also present during the proceedings. The entire process was documented through photography and videography to ensure complete transparency in the investigation. Taking the matter seriously, a forest offence case has been registered, and further investigation and legal action are underway. The Forest Department has reiterated that the protection of endangered wildlife such as tigers remains the highest priority of the government. Every aspect of the case is being thoroughly investigated and strict legal action will be taken against anyone found responsible.