Shivamogga: Forest officials have initiated an investigation into the case of the Indian gaur allegedly poached near Haralimatha along the Thirthahalli–Basavani road Thursday night. Locals reported hearing gunshot sounds during late hours. Upon inspection, it was discovered that unknown miscreants had killed the gaur, carved out its meat, and abandoned the carcass along the roadside before fleeing.Forest department officials conducted a preliminary investigation at the site. A search operation based on physical evidence collected from the scene is under way, forest officials said. The incident near forested patches has heightened anxiety among the locals who demand strict legal action against poachers.Meanwhile, foresters captured an aggressive grey langur Thursday. The langur, which had previously injured a youth in Kashipura, attacked 47-year-old Ganesh near Harakere. Following this, Shivamogga forest department mobilised a specialised team guided by senior officers to carry out a joint operation to trap the langur. Forest officials also confirmed that the langur will be safely released into a forest area away from human habitation.
