Two forest staff members have been suspended for allegedly removing and burning the remains of a leopard without informing their senior officials at Kinathadi Solaga Beat near Anthiyur here on Saturday (August 8, 2026).
The leopard was found dead under mysterious circumstances about three months ago in the Madhaiyan Kovil area under the Athani section of the Anthiyur forest range. Its carcass had decomposed considerably. Forest watcher Maithili and forest guard Praveen, who were on patrol in the area, allegedly removed parts of the carcass, including the claws and teeth, and burnt them.
The incident came to light after newly appointed Forest Range Officer Nandhini received confidential information a few days ago. She visited the spot and conducted an inquiry, which revealed that the leopard had died and that its body parts had subsequently been removed and burnt.
Ms. Nandhini informed senior forest officials in the district about the incident. Subsequently, officials from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau visited the spot and conducted an inquiry. Based on the findings, District Forest Officer Kumili Venkata Appala Naidu ordered the suspension of Maithili and Praveen for allegedly removing the leopard’s body parts and withholding information about the incident from senior officials.
Published – August 09, 2026 12:22 am IST
