Bacterial infection kills 31 blackbucks at zoo in Karnataka, Minister orders probe
Belagavi (PTI): Thirty-one blackbucks have died at a zoo here in just four days due to a bacterial infection, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre said on Monday.
The devastating toll, which reduced Kittur Rani Chennamma Zoo's blackbuck population to seven, has prompted a high-level investigation from the government.
According to sources at the zoo, eight antelopes died on Thursday, followed by 20 more deaths on Saturday.
Three more blackbucks died at the facility in the last two days.
Minister Khandre reached Belagavi and held a meeting with the zoo officials.
Later speaking to reporters, Khandre expressed "deep pain" over the deaths and ordered an inquiry to determine the source and spread of the disease among the animals.
“Prima facie, it is found that these blackbucks died due to bacterial infection. Our officers and veterinary doctors are giving treatment to them,” he said.
The Minister said all precautionary measures are being taken to ensure that the disease does not spread to other zoos.
“I have ordered a high-level probe to find out how this disease spread among blackbucks. We have sent experts from Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bengaluru. Our officials are in touch with experts in this field,” Khandre said.
Noting that he has given directions to save the remaining blackbucks, he said he has ordered that such incidents should not occur in future.
Comparing the outbreak of bacterial infection among blackbucks to COVID-19, the Minister said no one can predict such occurrences.
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Karnataka: Home Department asks motorists to drive on highways with caution to avoid robbery
Belagavi: The Home Department has advised motorists to stay alert while travelling on national and state highways, warning that gangs involved in robbery and extortion have been active in several stretches. It said people should be extra cautious if anyone tries to stop their vehicle in isolated areas.
Replying to an unstarred question on Thursday, the department said Karnataka has recorded 403 highway robbery cases in the past three years. According to the data, national highways saw 81 extortion and 23 robbery cases in 2023, followed by 66 extortion and 16 robbery cases in 2024. Until November 15 this year, 51 extortion and 14 robbery cases have been reported.
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On state highways, 39 extortion and 17 robberies were reported in 2023, while 2024 saw 35 extortion and 22 robbery cases. In 2025 so far, 20 extortion and 19 robbery cases have taken place. The department noted that curbing highway robberies remains a major challenge for the police.
To tackle the issue, police stations have been directed to set up regular checkpoints on stretches of highways passing through their limits. Suspicious individuals and vehicles are being checked. Two-wheelers have been allocated to every station for night patrol, and staff have been instructed to conduct night rounds using vehicles fitted with sirens and red lights.
