Goa forest dept finds evidence in Keri village

PANAJI: The Goa forest department, probing the tiger poaching case in Mhadei Wildlife sanctuary have found a jaw and teeth among other things from a spot near Keri village where the tiger carcass was allegedly burnt to destroy evidence.

"We have found a jaw, small teeth, fur and blood-stained leaves from a cashew crop plantation nearly three kilometers away from the village," Deputy conservator of forests, Subhash Henrique said.

"Interrogation of locals, especially belonging to the Majik community, led the department officials to the spot, where the carcass was allegedly burnt. The recovery of carcass parts provides vital evidence in the case," a senior forest officer said.

The tiger was reportedly killed in Keri village, Mhadei wildlife sanctuary, 60 kms North East of Panaji.

But the incident came to light recently after a local newspaper carried a clip of the tiger. The picture was clicked on a mobile and the arrested accused had claimed to have lost the cell during questioning.

So far, four persons from Keri village including a person employed with state police home guard service have been arrested in this connection by the forest department.