Day after arrest, CBI scanner on second reserve

The Centre today decided to ask the CBI to investigate cases of tiger poaching in and around the Ranthambhore tiger reserve and the inter-st...

The Centre today decided to ask the CBI to investigate cases of tiger poaching in and around the Ranthambhore tiger reserve and the inter-state wildlife smuggling rackets operating in the region. Under Deputy Inspector General BK Sharma, a CBI team is already investigating similar cases in the Sariska Tiger Reserve.

The Indian Express first reported in February 2005 how 18 tigers went ‘‘missing’’ in Ranthambhore. Last November, The Sunday Express first reported three poachers’ confession that ten of them killed at least 22 tigers in the reserve.

‘‘There have been several media reports alleging largescale poaching of tigers in the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve of Rajasthan. Several NGOs and individuals have also voiced their concern in this regard. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has decided to entrust the CBI for a through, independent investigation in the matter in the interest of wildlife conservation,’’ a Ministry statement said.

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RN Mehrotra, Chief Wildlife Warden of Rajasthan, claimed the state was yet to receive any communication in this matter.

Many see the Ministry’s decision as a ‘‘pre-emptive move’’, coming a day before the Supreme Court is scheduled to take up a petition that asked for transfer of tiger poaching cases in Panna and Ranthambhore to the CBI.

A joint team of Rajasthan Police, involving officers from CID crime branch and Kota (rural) police, has already made significant progress in investigating poaching and smuggling rackets in and around Ranthambhore. A number of alleged poachers and wildlife smugglers have also been arrested.