Mutilated body of black panther recovered

By Our Correspondent

KARWAR, APRIL 7. The Forest Department recovered today a mutilated body of a black panther (an endangered species) from the house of Ganapati Naik, residing in Challehonda in the Manchikeri forest area.

Ganapati Naik was injured during an encounter with the panther on Thursday and was hospitalised. His son Madhukar was arrested under the Wildlife Protection Act.

According to Ganapati Naik, he had noticed the panther in the forest while collecting dry leaves. Suddenly, the animal jumped on him. His dog had attacked the panther and the panther was badly injured in the fight. It was at this stage that he had his son brought the panther to their house after tying it up with rope, he said.

He claimed that he wanted to treat the panther for its wounds, but it died within two hours. He said he had informed the incident to the Forest Department officials immediately. However, they were not prepared to believe him. They said Ganapati Naik was involved in similar case last year.

Mr. Mohan Kanagil, Range Forest Officer, was sceptical that a dog would cause grievous injury to a panther. He said the post-mortem report would reveal the cause of death.

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Section  : Southern States
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