Bengaluru, March 27 Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre ordered an inquiry into the death of a three-year-old tiger that was caught in an illegally set snare on private land near the forest boundary in the Metikuppe range of Nagarahole National Park, on Friday.
Expressing grief over the death of the tiger, which occurred earlier in the day, the minister has directed that an inquiry be conducted into the incident by a team led by the Chief Conservator of Forests.
According to a statement from Khandre's office, the minister has also instructed officials to take action if any lapses are found in patrolling by forest staff, initiate legal proceedings against those responsible for setting the snare, and ensure the removal of such traps from lands adjoining forest areas to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Despite repeated government instructions to remove snares, prima facie negligence on the part of officials and staff is evident, he said, adding that a probe has also been ordered into possible lapses in patrolling.