Panther's autopsy done in full public view

UDHAGAMANDALAM (Tamil Nadu): The post-mortem of a panther found dead at a tea estate was carried out in public view in accordance with a ruling of the Madras High Court that autopsy of wild animals dying under mysterious circumstances should be held in public in the interest of transparency.

Forest officials were informed about the death of a two-year-old panther on Monday at a tea estate in Konaakarai in Neelgiris district by the public.

An NGO, involved in promoting animal welfare, demanded a public autopsy citing a Madras High Court ruling to determine the death of the panther.

Following this, a public autopsy was conducted by forest veterinarian last evening in the presence of representatives of NGO, villagers, forest officials and mediapersons.

It was later stated that the panther died of heavy bleeding and internal injuries, possibly inflicted by some wild animals.