Chandrapur (Mohammad Suleman Baig):
The Forest Department has been put on high alert after a female tiger was found dead near Chincholi village, marking the first tiger mortality of 2026 in Chandrapur district. The carcass was discovered on January 11 at around 9:30 am in the Irai River area, falling under the Durgapur Sub-range of Payali–Bhatali Beat, Chandrapur Forest Range.
The deceased tiger, estimated to be over two years old, was found in a non-forest area close to the river. Upon receiving the information, forest officials immediately rushed to the site and secured the carcass.
During the preliminary examination, the exact cause of death could not be determined. Although the tiger was found in water, no clear signs of drowning were observed. However, early signs of decomposition were noticed, likely due to the body remaining in water for some time.
Significantly, all body parts including claws, teeth and whiskers were intact, ruling out any immediate suspicion of poaching or illegal wildlife trade.
A post-mortem examination was conducted at the Transit Treatment Centre in Chandrapur by Veterinary Officer Dr. Kundan Podchalwar and retired Assistant Commissioner of the Animal Husbandry Department, Dr. Kadukar. The post-mortem did not reveal a definitive cause of death.
Biological samples have been sent to a forensic laboratory, and the final cause of death will be known after the lab reports are received. Forest officials said that a detailed investigation is underway and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.
It is noteworthy that in November last year, a 65-year-old man was killed by a tiger in Chincholi village, and now the death of a tiger in the same area has once again drawn attention to wildlife-human conflict and tiger movement in the region.
