Echo of five tiger deaths in M.M. Hills: Three Forest Officers sent on compulsory leave

Mysuru: In a deeply disturbing case of official negligence, the Forest Department has admitted to serious lapses that led to the poisoning deaths of five tigers — an adult tigress and her four cubs — inside the M.M. Hills Wildlife Sanctuary’s Hoogyan Range.

As a result, the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), and the Deputy Range Forest Officer (DRFO) have been sent on compulsory leave pending a full investigation.

The tragedy, which led to nationwide outrage calling for accountability of the Forest Department staff, occurred on June 26 near Mahadeshwara Bylu in the Gajanuru beat of the Meenyam range, located in Hanur hobli of Chamarajanagar district.

This area, identified as a future Tiger Reserve, witnessed the poisoning of an eight-year-old tigress and her four cubs — three females and one male, each about 10 months old.

Alarmingly, although the location was a mere 100 metres from a main road and 800 metres from an anti-poaching camp, Forest personnel failed to detect the deaths for two full days, raising questions about vigilance and accountability. Adding to the Department’s embarrassment, it has been revealed that contract staff, including Forest Watchers, had not received their wages for over three months, a lapse that likely impacted on-ground surveillance and morale.

With prima facie evidence of official negligence, the Department has taken disciplinary action by relieving Y. Chakrapani, DCF of M.M. Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Gajanan Hegde, ACF of Hanur Sub-Division and Madesh, DRFO, who was also serving as in-charge RFO of the Hoogyan Range.

In an effort to stabilise the situation, G. Santhosh Kumar, currently serving as DCF at the Central Office in Bengaluru and a former DCF of the same sanctuary, has been given additional charge as Acting DCF.

Meanwhile, the post of ACF of Hanur Sub-Division has been handed over to Swapnil Manohar Ahire, who is currently ACF of the Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sub-Division.

Probationary ACF K. Umapathi, who oversees the Hanur Buffer Zone, has also been entrusted with additional responsibility as the RFO of Hoogyan Range.

The Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Chamarajanagar Circle, has been instructed that strong and appropriate action be taken against those found responsible, once the ongoing investigation is complete.