Probe ordered into leopard, unborn cubs’ death near Bengaluru: Minister Khandre
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre on Thursday ordered a comprehensive investigation into the death of a female leopard and her unborn cubs in the Basavanatara forest area near here, following allegations of illegal mining activity in the forest zone.
The minister’s directive came after the carcass of a leopard was found during a routine patrol by forest staff of the Kaggalipura range under the Bengaluru city division, raising concerns over the impact of nearby quarrying on wildlife and forest safety.
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"During patrolling in the Basavanatara forest area of the Kaggalipura range, the carcass of a leopard was found on December 27, 2025, in survey no: 51. Preliminary assessment revealed that the 3-4-year-old female leopard had died two to three days earlier. Post-mortem examination also found three cubs in its womb," Khandre said in a note.
He said initial findings indicated that the leopard may have died due to the impact of heavy stone blasting carried out at a nearby quarry.
"It has been estimated that the leopard died due to blasting of large stones from an adjacent quarry, and in this connection, an FIR has been registered," the minister said.
Referring to allegations raised by Yeshwanthpur MLA S T Somashekar, Khandre said instructions had been issued for immediate action.
"In view of the serious allegations made by Somashekar, directions have been given to conduct a comprehensive investigation into whether mining activity is taking place within the forest area and to initiate action as per rules against those responsible for the death of the wildlife," he said.
Khandre added that the principal chief conservator of forests and the chief wildlife warden have been directed to ensure a thorough probe and to take strict legal action if any violations are found.
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Real Madrid fines Valverde and Tchouaméni half a million euros each for altercation
Barcelona (AP): Real Madrid slapped players Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni with half-a-million-euro ($588,000) fines on Friday for their altercation during practice.
The massive fines came a day after the midfielders tussled when the team trained. Valverde said in a post on social media on Thursday that no punches were thrown. But Valverde knocked his head on a table and he suffered a small cut that required a brief hospital visit.
On social media, Valverde initially called it a “meaningless fight” with a teammate and said “everything has been blown out of proportion."
His employers, however, considered it a significant enough breach of team discipline to nail both Valverde and Tchouaméni with fines that bite even the bank account of a top soccer player. The half-a-million euro penalties reflect the reputational damage the club was enduring in a chaotic end to a disappointing season.
In a statement, the 15-time European champion said its disciplinary action was concluded after both players expressed to the club “their complete remorse for what happened and apologized to one another.”
Madrid added they also apologized to their teammates, the coaching staff and club supporters, as well as showing their willingness to accept whatever disciplinary action the club deemed “opportune.”
Tchouaméni was back training with Madrid on Friday, two days before they play at Barcelona in a clasico. Madrid has to win otherwise Barcelona will be crowned La Liga champion.
After being notified of the fine, he posted a public apology to the club and its fans on social media.
“What happened this week in training is unacceptable,” Tchouaméni wrote. "I say this while thinking about the example we are expected to set for young people, whether in football or at school.
“Above all, I am sorry for the image we projected of the club.”
Valverde was not at practice due to the head knock.
Both players are set to play in the World Cup next month, with Tchouaméni playing for France and Valverde for Uruguay.
Chaotic end to a poor season
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The run-in between the players, who for seasons have played side by side in Madrid's midfield, came after they argued this week in previous training sessions. But tempers boiled over on Thursday. Spanish media was rife with reports that the players previously disagreed over the club's decision to let coach Xabi Alonso go after just months on the job.
It was not the only altercation involving Madrid players during training this week. Álvaro Carreras confirmed he was in a “minor” incident with a teammate. Spanish media said he and fellow defender Antonio Rüdiger got into a scuffle.
Álvaro Arbeloa, the coach who was promoted from Madrid's reserve team when Alonso was fired in January, will face tough questions on what went wrong inside the changing room when he gives a press conference on Saturday ahead of the clasico at Camp Nou.
Madrid is facing a second consecutive campaign without a major trophy amid rumors in the Spanish media that club president Florentino Pérez is considering bringing back Jose Mourinho to straighten out his underperforming team.
