Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh Forest Department has arrested two suspects in connection with the suspicious death of an adult tiger in the Nallamalla forests, as investigators continue to probe whether the animal was poached, poisoned or died due to other causes.
The arrested suspects, identified as Anji and Viranjaneyulu, were apprehended from Medikundur in Guntur district and shifted to Giddalur in Markapuram district for questioning, officials said on Tuesday.
The arrests mark a significant development in the investigation into the tiger’s death, which has drawn statewide attention following directions from Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan to conduct a thorough inquiry.
Tiger Carcass Found in NSTR, Illegal Trade Angle Under Probe
The carcass of the adult tiger was discovered on July 31 near Tettu Madugu in the Gundlakamma Range of the Racherla forest area within the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) in Markapuram district.
Forest officials suspect the tiger may have died 35 to 40 days before its remains were found.
Investigators are examining multiple possibilities, including poaching, poisoned bait, or other causes of death. The fact that the tiger’s paws and legs were missing has raised suspicions that its claws may have been removed for illegal wildlife trade.
Forensic Analysis Underway
The tiger’s remains have been sent to the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, and the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly, for forensic examination and post-mortem analysis.
Officials said the exact cause of death will be determined only after the forensic reports are received.
The Forest Department has intensified the investigation and is questioning the arrested suspects while collecting additional evidence.
Pawan Kalyan Orders Transparent Probe
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Environment and Forests Pawan Kalyan ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident on August 1, describing the death of the tiger as a matter of grave concern.
In a post on X, he said the conservation of tigers is essential for maintaining ecological balance and stressed that the loss of even a single tiger is a serious issue.
Pawan Kalyan directed the NSTR Field Director to conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the tiger’s death and ensure accountability if any wildlife crime is found.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities awaiting forensic findings to determine whether the tiger was killed as part of an organised wildlife trafficking network.