20 peacocks found dead in Tumakuru district, minister orders probe
Tumakuru (Karnataka), Aug 4 (PTI): Twenty peacocks were found dead under mysterious circumstances in Tumakuru district in Karnataka on Monday, and Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has ordered a probe led by the Deputy Conservator of Forests.
Of the deceased, three were male and 17 female, officials said.
The farmers who discovered the dead peacocks in a field near Medigeshi in Hanumanthapura village of Madhugiri taluk in the district alerted the police, following which they, along with the forest department officials, reached the spot.
The cause of the death is yet to be ascertained, a senior police official said, adding that samples have been collected and sent to Forensic Science Labs experts for further analysis by the forest department.
A case has been registered by the forest department.
Expressing sorrow over the death of peacocks, Minister Khandre has issued a directive to the Chief Wildlife Warden recalling that a month-and-a half ago, a tiger--our national animal--and its four cubs had died due to poisoning in the Male Mahadeshwara Hills in Chamrajanagara district.
This was followed by an incident where monkeys were killed and dumped near Bandipur. Now, the mass death of peacocks--our national bird--is being taken seriously by the government, he said in a statement.
Citing media reports indicating that the death of peacocks may have been due to pesticide consumption, the minister has instructed the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) led team to investigate whether the pesticide was deliberately used to kill the birds or whether the peacocks consumed pesticide-laced crops that had been sprayed for agricultural purposes.
He has directed that the investigation report be submitted within five days, and appropriate legal action be taken based on the findings.
Additionally, the minister has instructed that if any Schedule I or II wildlife species are found dead, an immediate audit should be conducted and the minister's office must be informed without delay.
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Smriti Mandhana named BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year for 2025
New Delhi (PTI): Star batter Smriti Mandhana, who played a pivotal role in India's historic 2025 Women's World Cup triumph, was named the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year for 2025 at a glittering function here on Monday.
Chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh won the Emerging Player of the Year award, for her historic FIDE Women's World Cup triumph at just 20.
Preethi Pal was named the Para-Sportswoman of the Year, for winning two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics in track and field, while Anjali Bhagwat was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising her pioneering career as India's first woman shooter to reach an Olympic final and her trailblazing success on the world stage.
Mandhana, who is currently touring Australia with the Indian team for multi-format bilateral assignments, said in a video message: "Thank you BBC for giving me the awardfor Best Sportswoman of the Year. 2025 was a special year for women's cricket, especiallytowards the end we had a World Cup and I'm happy I could contribute and help India win matches.".
At 29, the left-handed batter is already among the game's greats, with the second-highest number of centuries in women's One Day Internationals and ranking third in total runsscored among current players worldwide.
Hailing from Sangli city in Maharashtra, the affable Mandhana was inspired by her father and brother, both of whom played cricket at the district level.
In September last year, she made a 50-ball hundred against Australia – the fastest 50 over international ton (men and women) by an Indian in the format, breaking Virat Kohli's record.
The award winners were decided by a distinguished grand jury comprising Leander Paes, Deepa Malik, and Anju Bobby George.
Praising the athletes' achievements CEO of BBC News, Jonathan Munro said: "Congratulations to this year's winners who showcase the very best in sporting excellence. The BBC World Service is committed to bringing such stories of human endeavour and outstanding success to audiences across India and around the world.".
Additionally, the ceremony also celebrated a wide spectrum of talent and impact, recognizing star performers and changemakers for redefining the landscape of Indian sport.
BBC Star Performers of the Year 202.
• Indian Women's Cricket Team: for their historic World Cup victory.
• Ekta Bhyan, Deepthi Jeevanji and Preethi Pal: for their trailblazing performances at the World Para Athletics Championship.
• Indian Women's Cricket Team for the Blind: for their inspiring World Cup victory.
• Indian Women's Kabaddi Team: for their smashing victory in World Cup.
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BBC Changemakers of the Year 202.
• Indian Women's Ice Hockey Team: for breaking barriers in a non-traditional sport.
• Rajbir Kaur: Indian field hockey player and former captain of the women’s national team.
• Savita Punia: Indian field hockey player and current member of the national team.
• Paani Devi: recognised for her impactful contribution to grassroots sport.
