Forest dept registers case in death of 2 cubs

JAIPUR THE DEPARTMENT IS SENDING THE SAMPLES OF VISCERAL ORGANS OF THE TWO CUBS, AGED 13 MONTHS, FOUND DEAD ON TUESDAY

: The Rajasthan forest department on Thursday registered a case under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, against unknown offenders for the death of two tiger cubs in Ranthambore (Sawai Madhopur).

The department is sending the samples of visceral organs of the two cubs, aged 13 months, found dead on Tuesday in Anwad ki Khard area of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR). The two male cubs were litters of tigress T-79. Additional principal chief conservator of forests, GV Reddy said, “Both the cubs had certain wounds on their bodies. Postmortem was conducted in accordance with National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) norms. Samples of visceral organs were collected and sealed. From the external physical condition of the carcasses no clear cut inference about the cause of the death can be drawn. A case has been registered under Wildlife Protection Act 1972, against unknown offenders,” said Reddy.

The samples of visceral organs are being sent for pathological and toxicological tests to Regional Forensic Lab, Bharatpur; Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Barelli; and Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species, Hyderabad. “Samples collected for DNA analysis are being sent to Wildlife Institute of India (Dehradun) and Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology (Hyderabad). The postmortem report is expected in a few days,” he said.

He said after inspection of the surroundings, nothing suspicious has been found. The bodies of the cubs were taken to Rajbagh Naka. All authorities concerned, including NTCA, were informed.

On Wednesday, a committee was constituted, including representative of NTCA, district collector, police and chief wildlife warden, member of state board for wildlife, veterinary officers etc for post mortem and disposal of the bodies.