Mysuru: A probe has been ordered into the death of a tiger caught in a snare in Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR) and the disappearance of a tusk from a dead elephant in the Karadikallu Gudda area of Ramanagaram. Forest minister Ramalinga Reddy has directed forest authorities to conduct an investigation into both incidents and submit a detailed report within a week. He has also instructed officials to examine possible lapses on the part of officers concerned.A tiger being trapped in a snare in the Maddur range of BTR and the disappearance of a tusk from a dead elephant is alarming, Reddy stated. That such incidents occurred deep inside a protected tiger reserve raises concerns about the forest department’s patrolling arrangements, monitoring systems, and measures taken for wildlife protection.The minister questioned how poachers had managed to enter the forest and carry out such daring acts. He sought to know whether the officers and staff concerned had discharged their duties diligently, whether there had been lapses in patrolling and surveillance, and whether adequate preventive measures had been taken to avert such incidents. He stressed that these questions required convincing answers.Negligence in wildlife conservation cannot be excused. Preventing poaching and illegal trafficking of wildlife body parts in forest areas is one of the forest department’s core responsibilities, Reddy said.
