The Maharashtra forest department has once again drawn flak after an injured tigress, T4, died on Sunday after its personnel allegedly used a high dose of tranquiliser during a rescue operation at Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Forest officials said the tigress was weak and injured when she was tranquilised.

T4, which was injured by a wire snare, was first spotted on September 11, 2017, said Sunil Limaye, additional principal chief conservator of forest, Nagpur, adding that orders were issued to rescue and treat her. “However, then forest staff could not trace her,” he said. “Thereafter, the tiger remained elusive. However, our staff informed us that on Saturday, they got fresh camera trap images of the animal and she seemed very weak. On Sunday 4.30 pm, she was spotted again and on our DFO decided to rescue the animal,” he said.

“Unfortunately, she died post tranquilisation .” A forest officer from Pandharkawada on condition of anonymity said the tranquiliser dose could have been higher. “When the vet fired the dart, he should have assessed the body weight of the animal before preparing the drug.

However, this was not done and tiger died on the spot. Senior forest officers were not present during the operation.” Limaye however, denied this version. “Our entire staff, including the DFO and range forest officer (RFO), was present along with an authorised veterinary officer when the animal was darted,” he claimed.

First Published: Mar 18, 2019 23:48 IST