Now, Jairam hints poison killed tiger

SARISKA: The controversy over the death of a tiger in the Sariska reserve got murkier on Wednesday with Union minister for environment and forests Jairam Ramesh hinting that the tiger might have been poisoned. "What has happened here is most shocking and depressing. After all, this was the first tiger to be brought here. Though the death appears to be mysterious, it seems to be a case of poisoning," he said.

Jairam's visit to Sariska came three days after carcass of a tiger tagged ST-I was recovered with some of its vital organs missing. The death raised questions about government's translocation strategy to repopulate Sariska reserve.

"Though there are no definite signs, it is likely the tiger was poisoned. However, what clearly emerges is that state government, Centre and administration of Sariska failed in performing their duty," he said.

Accompanying Jairam were National Tiger Conservation Authority chief Rajesh Gopal, member Brajendra Singh and principal chief conservator of forests, Rajasthan, R N Mehrotra. Forest officials echoed Jairam's version. "The tiger's body lay close to a cattle track and stench of the carcass still persists. It's surprising why villagers could not notice the body. Their silence is suspicious," said a senior official.

Jairam held a meeting with officials. "I had put my faith in some young officers and Wildlife Institute of India, an institution under my ministry, but both have failed. I'm happy that state government has suspended some officials in the case. This is a collective failure and I, as minister, take blame but show must go on. We will continue with relocation process and try to get back the tiger that has strayed to Bharatpur," he said.