THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Chamarajanagar, June 28: Three people, including the owner of a cow, were arrested in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district on Saturday in connection with the deaths of a tigress and her four cubs—an act forest officials say was driven by revenge after a cow was killed by wild animals.
The incident took place in the Hugyam range of the Male Mahadeshwara Hills, where forest officials found the carcasses of the big cats on Thursday. A subsequent investigation revealed that the animals died after feeding on a cow laced with poison.
The cow, named ‘Kenchi,’ belonged to a man identified as Maada, also known as Maaduraju. According to forest officials, he was furious after losing the cow to a predator and decided to exact revenge by poisoning its carcass.
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The tigress initially consumed the poisoned meat and later returned with her cubs, all of whom died from ingesting the toxic remains.
Maaduraju, along with his associates Konappa and Nagaraju, was arrested and taken to Aranya Bhavan in Hanur Taluk for further interrogation. The investigation gained momentum after the discovery of the poisoned cow.
During questioning, Maaduraju’s father, Shivanna, claimed responsibility for the deaths but was released after the probe confirmed his son’s role.
The incident triggered widespread public anger and political sparring, with the opposition BJP accusing the ruling government of negligence in protecting wildlife.
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Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre assured that strict action would be taken, while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said further steps would follow once the official report is received.
According to the latest report by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Karnataka is home to 563 tigers, the second-highest in India after Madhya Pradesh, making the deaths a significant blow to conservation efforts.
