5 Tigers Found Dead In Karnataka's Male Mahadeshwar Hills, High-Level Probe Ordered

Karnataka, with 563 tigers, ranks second in India for its big cat population under the ambit of Project Tiger, which was first launched by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

The Minister has called for strict and immediate action against those found responsible. (Image for representation)

Source : Pixabay

Five tigers have died under unnatural circumstances in the Male Mahadeshwar Tiger Reserve near the famed Mahadeshwar Temple, located in the Meenyam Forest Zone of Hanur taluk. Environment and Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre expressed deep anguish over the deaths, describing them as a “heartbreaking blow” to a state long considered a national leader in tiger conservation. Karnataka, with 563 tigers, ranks second in India for its big cat population under the ambit of Project Tiger, which was first launched by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

It is suspected that the tigers died due to poisoning. The forest officials also reportedly found a carcass of a cow near the dead tigers. However, details regarding the nature of the death would be known only after the post-mortem reports. 

Karnataka Minister Orders High-Level Enquiry

Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre told ANI, "Five tigers, including a mother tiger and four cubs, have died at Male Mahadeshwara Hills. I have given orders for a high-level enquiry. We are shocked and saddened by this incident. A post-mortem will be conducted in accordance with the established protocol."

Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre says, "Five tigers, including a mother tiger and four cubs, have died at Male Mahadeshwara Hills. I have given orders for a high-level enquiry. We are shocked and saddened by this incident. A post-mortem will be conducted in accordance… pic.twitter.com/ClJk06HV9K

— ANI (@ANI) June 27, 2025

The Minister has also issued written directives to the Additional Chief Secretaries and Chief Wildlife Wardens, emphasising that the state government views this matter with utmost seriousness. He has called for strict and immediate action against those found responsible.

Meanwhile, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah also said that stringent action would be taken against those responsible for the deaths of the tiger, as per reports.