Green Minute News:
The missing tusks of the poached Bhadra elephant raises serious questions of inaction by forest department. The investigation into the unnatural death of a wild elephant in the Bhadra Tiger Reserve (BTR), Chikkamagaluru district has raised the hackles of civil activists and wildlife conservationists in Karnataka.
On 14 September, 2024, a full skeleton was found at around 5:00 PM in the Bhadra backwaters, near Hulli Matti Kovu, Aldhara SF, Aldhara Beat, Byrapura Survey number: 37P, Bhadra Wildlife Range, Lakkavalli, N.R. Pura taluk Chikkamagaluru district.
ESHWAR KHANDRE ASSURES ACTION
Speaking to Green Minute, Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre said, “The moment we receive the inquiry report from the Karnataka Forest Department, suitable action will be taken against all officials, staff and others involved in this case wherein the dead elephant was presumed to be a female one.”
Presently, four forest staff are being investigated as the tusks of the male elephant which was reportedly shot by poachers is still missing. Till date, no action has been taken even after the CCMB and Chennai Lab report has confirmed that it was a male elephant.
Meanwhile, a case has been registered in the N R Pura Court – dated 11.10.2024 whose order number is: WLOR 3/2024-25.
Further, the inquiry report has also brought to light alarming discrepancies in the handling of the case itself by forest officials.
The initial postmortem report, dated September 18, 2024 done by Veterinary Officer, Bhadra Tiger Reserve classified the deceased elephant as female based on skull morphometry. However, subsequent DNA analysis has clearly revealed that the skeleton belonged to a male elephant, intensifying concerns over the accuracy and integrity of the inquiry. Further, there is no mention of the gunshot wounds in the skull.
Look for more details as earlier, greenminute.in had published this news “Activists demand inquiry into Bhadra Elephant’s Death” on September 27, 2024.
Now what are the Key Findings from the Initial Postmortem Report?
The first postmortem report conducted on the skeleton recovered near Aldhara-Byrapura Beat states:
Sex: Female (based on skull morphometry measurements).
Age: Approximately 10-15 years.
Condition: The fully intact skeleton was discovered with no remaining tissue, suggesting death occurred over six months prior.
Cause of Death: Could not be determined from the skeletal remains alone.
Advisory: The report directed DNA analysis to confirm the sex and species of the elephant.
SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATIONS
Initially, few activists cried foul play based on the absence of tusks and the discovery of gunshot wounds on the skeleton. Later forest department collected the skull and other samples and sent it to a few reputed laboratories in Hyderabad and Chennai.
Later findings from CCMB Hyderabad and Chennai laboratories contradicted the initial report, and confirmed the Bhadra elephant was a male.
Authorities have since acknowledged multiple lapses in the preliminary investigations done by the forest department.
MANY CONCERNS RAISED
A significant point of contention has been the involvement of certain NGO members in the postmortem process:
Wildlife Offense Links: Allegations have emerged that one NGO participant in the postmortem has a history of pending wildlife offense and is undergoing criminal investigations.
Tusk Theft Suspicion: Activists and concerned citizens are demanding a high-level inquiry into the possible involvement of forest staff and NGO member in the disappearance of the tusks.
Conflict of Interest: The participation of individuals accused in previous wildlife cases during the postmortem has fuelled doubts about their role in this case.
FIRs have been registered against specific members, and so the calls for their thorough investigation are growing louder.
NEED FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
Social activist Dinesh Kallahalli had earlier lodged a complaint with forest minister Eshwar Khandre and sought inquiry and action against conniving forest staff and other involved people. He further emphasized that accountability must extend to all participants be it forest staff or wildlife NGOs. He has urged authorities to take action against such individuals who are concealing key facts about the Bhadra elephant which had sustained gunshot wounds in its skull with its tusks missing.
The case has also drawn sharp criticism from conservationists questioning the role of “so-called experts” who contributed to the flawed initial findings. Many have pointed out the irony of relying on these individuals for professional opinions. As one observer sarcastically noted, “Experts were quick to claim the elephant was female despite photographic evidence and skeletal markers suggesting otherwise.”
DEMAND FOR HIGH LEVEL INQUIRY
Concerned stakeholders are calling for an impartial investigation into the missing tusks and potential tampering of site evidence and call for more protection measures for elephants in Karnataka. Activists add, “The forest department is urged to ensure that future investigations are free from external influence. Authorities must hold all responsible parties, including NGO members and forest officials, accountable to restore trust in the process.”
As this case unfolds, it underscores the critical need for integrity and vigilance in wildlife conservation efforts. Without these, even the most protected species like elephants and tigers will remain vulnerable to poaching, exploitation and corruption.