Chandrapur: A partially decomposed carcass of a tiger was found in a forest compartment under the Saoli range of Chandrapur Forest Division on Monday, raising concerns over possible wildlife crime. While the exact cause of death remains undetermined, four individuals have been taken into custody for questioning.The carcass was found in compartment No. 298 near Pathari village. Forest officials said the remains were in an advanced stage of decomposition, suggesting the animal may have died nearly three months ago. Due to the putrefied condition, a postmortem examination could not be conducted, leaving the cause of death inconclusive.Officials confirmed that several valuable body parts were missing, prompting suspicion of foul play. A veterinary officer from Mul examined the carcass at the site in the presence of forest personnel. The forest department has initiated an investigation to ascertain whether the death was a case of poaching. In a significant development, four individuals have been taken into custody for questioning.Investigation further revealed that the accused, who came across the decomposing carcass in the forest, had removed the claws and teeth. All the accused were produced before the court and were sent into forest custody remand for three days on Tuesday.Divisional forest officer Rajan Talmale stated that all angles are being probed and further action will depend on forensic and field-level findings.
