Shocked by 82 tiger deaths in 5.5 yrs; Min. Eshwar Khandre orders 10-day report on causes, poaching
Bengaluru, Jul 1 (PTI): Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre on Tuesday directed officials to submit a comprehensive report within 10 days on tiger mortality across the state over the last five-and-a-half years.
The directive follows his shock over media reports claiming the death of 82 tigers in Karnataka over the past five-and-a-half years.
Khandre has instructed the Additional Chief Secretary and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) to investigate each death specifying how many were due to natural causes, unnatural circumstances and what were the reasons behind it.
The Minister has also wanted to know if any investigation was conducted and a report was received in cases of unnatural death of tigers.
"Khandre has also asked the officials to report if any of these tigers were mutilated after death for body parts such as claws and canines and if any action was taken against the staff and officials in case of negligence?," the Minister's office said, in a statement.
He also sought information on the number of people arrested and convicted in connection with tiger killing and poaching cases so far.
In addition, the Minister asked for details on ongoing investigations related to tiger killings and the reasons for the delay.
Officials concerned have been given 10 days to submit a comprehensive report containing all the details.
Following reports about the alleged killing of a leopard in the Ramapura-Martalli border of Cowdalli range of the Chamarajanagara district last month, the Minister has ordered an investigation into the incident, which will be headed by Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
The decision was taken following reports suggesting that the leopard died in the MM Hills jurisdiction just weeks before the killing of a tigress and her four cubs.
"It is being alleged that the leopard's legs were amputated after death and if it is confirmed, the minister has instructed the official concerned to take action against those officers and staff responsible for this and submit a report within seven days," he added.
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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.
