R S Tejus:
The MM Hills Sanctuary’s tiger-killing case has taken a major turn with five suspects taken into custody. This is the first time; the Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) has taken such a swift and coordinated operation. Within three days of the discovery of a hacked tiger that sent shock waves across the state, forest officials have recreated the entire crime scene and launched a deeper investigation into what appears to be a revenge killing.
The five suspects have been identified as:
- Pachamallu,
- Ganesh,
- Govindegowda,
- Sompu, and
- Krishnamurthy.
They are all residents of forest-fringe villages near the MM Hills Sanctuary. Three were taken into custody on Saturday, and two more were picked up on Sunday, following extensive ground searches led by the Hanur Range staff.
All of them are between 30 and 50 years of age. Officials said the tiger’s body was cut into three parts — not for trade, but to avoid being caught and to divert the attention of the authorities. Early investigation points to retaliation for frequent cattle killings near the villages adjoining the MM Hills sanctuary.
Swift Karnataka Forest Department Operation
The Karnataka Forest Department’s quick response has drawn wide appreciation from senior officers. The breakthrough came after teams, acting on local intelligence, traced the suspects within a short span under the guidance of Hanur Range Forest Officer (RFO), who is also the Investigating Officer (IO) in the case.
“We are conducting a full investigation and will ensure such incidents never happen again,”
said the RFO.
He added, “The department is determined to take strong action and prevent any harm to wildlife in the future.”
RFO leads probe; crime scene recreated
Under the RFO’s direction, the team conducted a crime scene recreation inside the MM Hills Sanctuary to piece together the sequence of events.
Field staff, veterinarians, and forest watchers participated in the operation to collect crucial evidence to nail the eight offenders.
Revenge Killing Behind the Incident
Investigators believe the motive was revenge. In recent months, several cattle in the villages near the MM Hills Sanctuary were killed by tigers. The accused reportedly grew frustrated over their losses and decided to eliminate the tiger that they held responsible.
A senior forest officer said, “The intention was not commercial. They wanted to divert attention and make it look like an organized poaching case so that suspicion wouldn’t fall on them immediately.”
While it is not yet confirmed, forest officials are also checking if there are links to any organized poaching networks operating in the wider forest belt. Mobile records and earlier wildlife offence histories are being verified.
Three Others Still at Large
The Karnataka Forest Department is now searching for three more suspects:
- Chandu,
- Shikari Govinda (who claims to be ‘Mari Veerappan’), and
- Abhi.
Many a team have been deployed across forest beats of the MM Hills Sanctuary and also nearby hamlets to track the movement of the remaining offenders.
Sources said interrogation of those taken into custody is going on and more details about the planning and execution of the tiger killing are expected to emerge soon.
Forest Minister Orders Vigil and Awareness
Following the incident, Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre held an emergency video conference with senior officers. He directed that patrolling in MM Hills Sanctuary be intensified, compensation for cattle loss expedited, and awareness programmes increased in the fringe villages.
The forest minister also reminded officers that the proposal to upgrade MM Hills Sanctuary into a Tiger Reserve had already been approved by the State Wildlife Board. “Such protection is essential to prevent conflicts and strengthen conservation,” he said.
The case has once again turned attention to the urgent need for stronger field infrastructure and community outreach in the MM Hills Sanctuary, one of Karnataka’s most sensitive forest regions.
Technology and Field Vigilance
Forest guards and watchers in the MM Hills Sanctuary have been instructed to use GPS-enabled patrol logs through the M-Stripes app, documenting every route with photos and time stamps. Anti-poaching camp staff are also being provided with boots, jackets, rations, and drinking water to help them carry out long patrols effectively.
Senior forest officials have been told to personally review field photos and ensure that every patrol is properly recorded. Any lapse or negligence will attract disciplinary action, forest officials warned.
Strong Message from the Department
The swift action by the Hanur RFO and his team has sent a strong message across the region that the Karnataka Forest Department will not tolerate any wildlife crime. The case has highlighted how ground-level vigilance and coordination can lead to quick breakthroughs even in complex forest landscapes.
Officials said the MM Hills Sanctuary tiger-killing case stands as both a warning and a lesson — that anger and frustration among fringe communities must be addressed through dialogue, not violence.
Need for Peaceful Coexistence
“Every such killing weakens the forest itself,” said a senior forest officer. “We must ensure people and wildlife can coexist safely.”
With five suspects now in custody, three still absconding, and the investigation widening, the MM Hills Sanctuary remains in the spotlight – not only for the tragedy it witnessed on October 2nd, but for the swift and determined response that followed.