By Prasad Ray
In a worrying turn of events Karnataka has recorded 82 tiger deaths in just five-and-a-half years. The alarming data has prompted State Environment and Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre to order a detailed inquiry. Shocked by the rising numbers the minister has asked the Forest Department to submit a full report within 10 days detailing whether these deaths were natural or caused by human actions and the current status of investigations.
Grim Statistics from Karnataka
According to data from the National Tiger Conservation Authority NTCA India has recorded 662 tiger deaths between 2020 and June 28 2025. Of these Karnataka alone accounted for 82 fatalities
2020 14 deaths
2021 15 deaths
2022 18 deaths
2023 12 deaths
2024 14 deaths
2025 till June 9 deaths
One of the most recent deaths occurred in Bandipur forest just last Friday. The MM Hills incident where a tigress and her four cubs died simultaneously has been described as unprecedented in Karnatakarsquos history.
Ministerrsquos Directives and Questions Raised
Minister Khandre has instructed the Additional Chief Secretary and Chief Wildlife Wardens to provide full details on each case including
How many deaths were natural vs. unnatural?
Were body parts like nails or teeth removed?
Were there lapses by forest officials and has any disciplinary action been taken?
How many suspects have been arrested and convicted?
How many cases remain under investigation?
He emphasised accountability at every level demanding answers on enforcement and negligence.
Leopard Killing Adds to the Crisis
Adding to the statersquos wildlife woes a leopard was recently found dead near the Ramapur-Martalli border in the Kaudalli zone of M.M. Hills. The leopardrsquos legs had been amputatedmdashsuggesting poaching. The minister has ordered a separate probe led by the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
A Crisis That Canrsquot Be Ignored
The spike in tiger and leopard deaths paints a worrying picture for Karnatakarsquos rich biodiversity. As investigations unfold it is critical that authorities not only punish offenders but also bolster conservation measures. For a state once celebrated for its thriving big cat population these numbers are a stark warningmdashand a call to urgent action.