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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Worker’s body reaches Ranchi from Saudi 4 months after death; family rejects over compensation
Ranchi (PTI): The body of a migrant worker from Jharkhand’s Giridih district killed in Saudi Arabia in October last year has arrived at Ranchi Airport, but his family refused to accept it over pending compensation, officials said.
Shikha Lakra, team leader of the state migrant control cell, told PTI that, before taking the body of Vijay Kumar Mahato, the family is demanding compensation from the private company where he used to work in the Arab country.
Mahato was killed in an alleged crossfire between the police and criminals.
“Since it was a bullet injury case, the matter is before a court in Jeddah. The final compensation may depend on the court’s decision,” Lakra said.
“The Indian Embassy informed us about the body’s arrival, and coordination was done with district authorities. Our role is limited to coordination in cases involving overseas employers and foreign jurisdiction,” she added.
Giridih Deputy Commissioner Ram Niwas Yadav said the authorities will try to convince the family to perform the last rites.
“We have already sanctioned Rs 5 lakh under the government scheme for migrant’s deaths abroad. The compensation payment might take some time,” he said.
The body is currently at the mortuary of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi.
The Family members said they will only accept it if the company provides written assurance regarding compensation. “Without that assurance, we will not receive the body,” said Ram Prasad Mahato, the deceased’s brother-in-law.
Mahato, a native of Dudhpaniya village in Madh Gopali panchayat under Dumri block, was employed as a tower line fitter. His family said he was struck by a bullet during a gunfight between local police and an extortion gang and later succumbed to his injuries.
Social activist Sikander Ali said Mahato is survived by his wife, two young sons aged five and three, and elderly parents.
