GUWAHATI: A mutilated carcass of a Royal Bengal Tiger was discovered on a sandbar along the Gabharu River in Assam's Sonitpur district on Thursday, June 11, prompting authorities to investigate a possible case of poaching.
ALSO READ: Drugs Worth ₹6.4 Crore Seized in Assam’s Sribhumi, Two Traffickers Arrested
The carcass was found near Kochgaon under the jurisdiction of Thelamara Police Station. Forest officials said the tiger's tail and all four limbs had been severed, raising concerns that the animal may have been targeted for its body parts.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Biswa Jyoti Das said preliminary observations indicate that the tiger had died several days earlier and that its remains were likely dumped into the river after key body parts were removed.
“The condition of the carcass and the missing body parts point towards suspected foul play. It appears the remains drifted downstream before being discovered,” Das said.
Following the recovery, personnel from the West Sonitpur Forest Division, Tezpur Forest Range, and local police reached the site. A team of veterinary experts and wildlife officials conducted a post-mortem examination and collected samples for forensic testing to ascertain the exact cause of death.
Officials said the tiger measured around five feet in length. After the examination, the carcass was cremated at the site in accordance with prescribed wildlife disposal procedures.
The forest department has launched a detailed investigation and is awaiting forensic findings. Authorities suspect that poachers may have killed the tiger, removed valuable body parts, and disposed of the carcass in an attempt to conceal evidence.