Tigers Deaths In MP : SIT Report
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) report on the deaths of 43 tigers in Madhya Pradesh in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve and Shahdol Forest Circle between 2021 and 2023 has raised significant concerns regarding the effectiveness of wildlife protection measures in India.
- The report highlights serious lapses in investigations, insufficient evidence collection, and a lack of accountability among officials responsible for tiger conservation.
Key Findings :
- Insufficient probing into at least 10 cases of tiger deaths, with only two arrests for unnatural deaths. Authorities showed disinterest, leading to many missing body parts.
- Lacking mobile forensics and electric trip data in electrocution cases, and neglecting land ownership investigations relevant to poaching.
- Tendency to attribute deaths to infighting without proper investigation, potentially hiding poaching incidents.
- Inadequate post-mortem procedures, with poor sample collection and documentation.
- Documented medical negligence, including failure to identify foreign objects during treatment, causing a tigress’s death.
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR):
- It is located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, within the Vindhya hills.
