Tiger poaching panel draws flak

Officers from adjoining territorial forest divisions, independent experts and NGO members should have been included in the team for an unbiased investigation into the case.” Anup Shah, a member of SBWL

DEHRADUN: State forest minister Dinesh Agarwal’s decision to form a three-member committee to probe killing of five tigers on March 14 by poachers has invited criticism from wildlife activists and members of the State Board for Wildlife (SBWL).

The committee comprising the director of Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) and two rangers was formed on March 15.

Anup Shah, a member of SBWL, told Hindustan Times on Saturday, “Officers from adjoining territorial forest divisions, independent experts and NGO members should have been included in the team for an unbiased investigation into the case.”

The poaching incident came to light after the police Special Task Force (STF) arrested a member of the Bawariya community with five tiger skins and 125 kg bones and skulls from Hardwar.

The forest officials said it was one of the biggest seizures in the state.

“During a preliminary investigation, the accused confessed to having killed two tigers from Sona Nadi, the buffer of Corbett. I think there could have been better if other officers were also taken into confidence before forming the committee,” a DFO from the adjoining forest division requesting anonymity told HT.

Hides and some body parts of tigers were recovered from trenches at Kathgodar in Uttar Pradesh, nearly 15 km from Corbett, but the forest department failed to probe the case.

“After killing the tigers, t he Bawariyas spent t i me with locals of Nai Basti. But, neither police nor forest officers went there. I am sure they would come to know of several other poaching incidents if they interrogate locals,” said Rahul Pandit, a temple committee member.

The poachers had stayed for months at the temple located at Kathgodar, he said.

Agarwal said, “I have realised that there should have been activists and other officers in the probe committee. I understand their concerns and do not want any biased investigation, as it is one of the biggest seizures in state. I will speak to senior bureaucrats to re-constitute the committee at the earliest,” he said.