Shivamogga: The mysterious death of a tiger at Ambligola check dam on February 17 has stirred controversy, with locals alleging harassment by forest officials as the investigation progresses.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has taken serious note of the incident, urging Karnataka’s Chief Wildlife Warden to submit a detailed mortality report. Meanwhile, forest department officials have intensified their probe, which some villagers claim has led to unnecessary detainment and intimidation.
Residents of Byrapura, Doddabyana, Hosur, and Annapura stated that they were questioned aggressively, with one villager claiming he was held for an entire day and threatened with property revocation. However, forest officials have denied any misconduct, maintaining that their efforts are focused on solving the case.
The tiger, estimated to be around 10 years old, was found floating in the backwaters. Locals reported no recent tiger sightings, raising questions about the cause of death. The NTCA has demanded a comprehensive report, including:
✔️ GPS coordinates of the site
✔️ Post-mortem and forensic reports
✔️ Details of missing body parts, if any
✔️ Photographs and veterinary assessments
Chirag from Rainland Trust criticized the initial negligence of the case, adding that the forest department intensified the probe only after Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre’s intervention. The minister had demanded a report within 10 days, but sources say it is still pending.
As the investigation unfolds, questions remain about whether the tiger’s death was natural, an accident, or a result of poaching. Meanwhile, tensions between locals and officials continue to rise.
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