Carbofuran, Phorate linked to death of five tigers in MM Hills: FSL report
Bengaluru: A recent report by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has confirmed the presence of high levels of two toxic pesticides, Carbofuran and Phorate, in the digestive systems of a tigress and her four cubs found dead in the Hoogyam Range of the Malai Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary (MM Hills) last month.
The report, as cited by The New Indian Express on Thursday, showed the presence of 20 micrograms of pesticide in one tissue sample of the dead carnivores. Veterinarians and experts stated that these chemicals were used in large quantities to kill them. Notably, Phorate is banned by the Central Government, while the use of Carbofuran has been regulated.
Sources from FLS quoted by TNIE mentioned that Carbofuran, being colourless, odourless, and tasteless, is often misused for intentional poisoning and even a small quantity can kill an animal in couple of hours. “Though it has been found for the first time in Karnataka, it was used to kill tigers in Jim Corbett, Ooty and Madhya Pradesh. Organo Phosphorus Compound was used to poison the leopard two years ago in Karnataka. However, the chemical analysis reports of the tiger poisoning case in Nagarhole Tiger Reserve were not clear as the carcass was over 7-10 days old,” they added.
According to veterinarians involved in the investigation, more than 500 chemical compounds were screened before confirming the presence of Carbofuran and Phorate. They also reported that the tigers’ digestive systems contained only meat from the dead carcass, leading authorities to begin testing agricultural produce from surrounding areas in MM Hills and Chamarajanagara for contamination.
Officials have expressed concern over the incident, stating that poisoning cases of this scale are rare and worrisome. “The government needs to look into the chemicals, pesticides and insecticides the farmers are using,” TNIE quoted a forest department official as saying.
Meanwhile, a senior official from the agriculture department acknowledged the gravity of the situation but noted the difficulty in monitoring the exact quantities of pesticide being purchased and used by farmers. “But this is a grave concern, and it will be checked as all pesticides are sold through authorised dealers only,” the official added.
Forest, environment and ecology minister Eshwar B. Khandre said that if banned and regulated substances have been used, action will be taken against the people.
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HC rejects contempt petition against Swami Avimukteshwaranand
Prayagraj (PTI): The Allahabad High Court on Friday rejected the contempt application filed against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and and his disciple Mukundanand Brahmachari, seeking punitive action over alleged disobedience of court order.
Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj had filed the petition alleging violation of court order passed while granting anticipatory bail to Avimukteshwaranand in a POCSO case registered at Prayagraj.
Rejecting the application, Justice Dinesh Pathak observed that the applicant could file for cancellation of anticipatory bail granted by the court, if he is violating bail conditions.
In the contempt application it was alleged that inspite of the order of high court, Avimukteshwaranand is holding several meetings and is making statements in violation of high court order.
Earlier, Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal had recused himself from hearing the contempt petition saying that he does not want to hear the matter. After this, the chief justice nominated Justice Pathak to hear the matter.
