Chandrapur: A full grown tigress was killed in a suspected hit and run case in Sindewahi forest range. The semi-decomposed carcass was seen in compartment No. 45 on Saturday morning by the patrolling guard in Ratnapur forest.
The carcass, around two days old, was infected with maggots. As all the body parts of the tigress were intact, officials ruled out poaching.
“It could be a case of territorial fight because initially, there were a few marks. However, severe internal injuries and haemorrhage detected during the post-mortem suggest that it could be a hit and run case. There were no fractures,” said RFO, Sindewai, Arun Gaud.
The beast sustained a severe impact on one side of the body. There was massive internal haemorrhage leading to death.
As the carcass was 100 metres into the forest from Ratnapur-Khandla road, the hit and run angle is being investigated.
A team of veterinary doctors, including transit treatment centre in-charge Dr Kundan Podchalwar, livestock development officer Parag Khobragade and Dr SS Gawade carried out the autopsy on the dead tigress in the presence of NTCA representative and state wildlife board member Bandu Dhotre and PCCF representative Vivek Karambdekar. The remains were incinerated after the post mortem. A primary offence was registered.
Senior officials, including DCF, Bramhapuri forest division, Dipendra Malhotra, divisional manager, FDCM Bramhapuri, Aditi Bhardwaj, ACF, Bramhapuri, Rameshwari Bhongale and in-charge RFO Ashutosh Mendhe were present at the spot.
This is the ninth tiger death in the district this year. The state toll is 16.