Killing of tigress Avni: Post-mortem says guideline violations are ‘evident’

With wildlife lovers blaming the Maharashtra government and the forest officials for killing tigress Avni who was alleged man-eater, the post-mortem report divulged serious violation of guidelines. A senior forest official has stated that guidelines violations are “evident” in the post-mortem report which also said that while the tigress was “facing away” from the shooter, the feline was shot.

The post-mortem revealed that the bullet which eventually killed the tigress entered the tigress’ body from the rear part of his left forelimb. “The animal was facing away from the shooter at that time,” the report quoted by NDTV said.

The report raised serious inconsistency from what the shooters claimed about the tranquilising dart. The tranquilising dart that found on the tigress’ carcass suggested that it was not even released from the tranquilising rifle. “No haemorrhage was observed in the tigress’ muscles at the darting spot. A dart fired from a syringe projector (tranquilising rifle) always leaves a significant and obvious haematoma, which was not observed in this case,” the report said, according to a report in NDTV.

According to the senior official, the revelations are so serious in nature that it could cost some people dearly. “Violation of guidelines to capture or kill a protected species like tiger is evident,” he said, on condition of anonymity.

Queried on the shooter’s claims that the tigress was killed because of self-defence, the official said that wasn’t the case. “If it is true then how come the bullet entered from rear. And the tranquiliser dart is another evidence suggesting that it was not even used as a first option to bring the tigress under control,” he said.

The tigress, also known as T1, had allegedly killed 13 people in Pandharkawda area of Yavatmal district in last couple of years was shot dead by hired shooter on November 2. The government and the forest depart have been under fire from wildlife lovers who alleged the violation of guidelines while killing Avni. The tigress left behind two 10-month-old cubs.

Under pressure, the state government had constituted a four-member panel on Friday to probe into the killing of Avni. The panel comprised wildlife experts and officials.

Union Minister Maneka Gandhi also lashed out at Maharashtra forest minister Sudhir Mungantiwar and sought his removal. Mungantiwar also shot back saying he was ready for any probe on the matter.

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