High Court tells Forest Dept--Find out What Killed 30 Big Cats

TNN | Jan 25, 2015
JABALPUR: Madhya Pradesh high court (MPHC) on Saturday directed secretary of forest department to inquire into a complaint that alleges death of 30 big cats, including tigers and leopards in suspicious manner in forest regions across the state.

Division bench in Jabalpur has asked the officer to file action taken report (ATR) and next hearing is posted for March 28.

The action was taken following a petition filed by an activist, Bhawna Bisth, who alleged that 36 tigers, leopards and cubs were killed between 2012 and 2014 under suspicious circumstances, but no action was taken by the department. She claimed most of deaths were a result of poisoning and electrocution intended at smuggling of poached animals.

Bisth said she was forced to move the court as her complaint to draw the attention of forest officials failed to stir them in action.

Taking cognizance of the petition, the court asked the forest secretary to look into contents of the plea in four weeks. source