Tiger partially paralysed by poacher’s bullet dies in Bhopal

BHOPAL: A partially paralysed tiger — who was battling for life for the past two weeks after it was shot by poachers with a vintage Bharmar gun (muzzle loading gun) in Betul district — succumbed to injuries at Van Vihar National Park Bhopal, where he was being treated.

This is the second tiger death in the state in last two days and eighth this year.

On April 7, a three-year male tiger was found injured in Betul’s Rathipur area. After locals informed forest officials, the tiger was rescued by a team from the Satpura Tiger Reserve and shifted to Bhopal’s Van Vihar National Park which has a well-equipped wildlife rescue centre.

After an X-ray, it was found that there was a bullet in the tiger’s abdomen, which was taken out after a surgery.

After it became clear the tiger was shot at, the state forest department started an investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, the tiger was partial paralysed in his legs.

Despite the efforts of Van Vihar’s doctors, it didn’t respond to treatment.

Sanjeev Jha, divisional forest officer Betul, told HT that all the five poachers accused of shooting the tiger have been arrested. He added three Korku tribals were arrested from Kumhartek area in Betul on April 14.

“The remaining two were arrested on Friday from Maharashtra. We have also recovered the weapon,” he said.