Male tiger T-39 found dead in Nagzira; electrocution suspected, some people detained

A male tiger has been found dead in the Nagzira forest range of Gondia district, and the Forest Department suspects electrocution. The animal has been identified as T-39, about four years old. Going by old records and identification marks, officials believe it could be an offspring of a tigress called Koka.

The carcass was located in compartment number 99 of the Thadezari beat, in the core sub-range of the Nagzira sanctuary under Goregaon. One account says it was spotted by forest staff during a joint patrol on November 10, 2026, while another says it was found on Wednesday. The accounts also differ on the exact spot. One places it in the reserve forest of the compartment, while the other says it lay in a field next to the forest near Bohunda village.

Piyush Jagtap, Deputy Conservator of Forests and Field Director of the Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Project, reached the site after being informed. Pritamsingh Kodape, Deputy Director of the Nagzira division, Assistant Conservator of Forests Vipin Landge, patrol team head Mahendra Bhangare and Range Forest Officer Mrs A. V. Lambat also arrived.

A special committee was set up as per National Tiger Conservation Authority procedure. Its members were honorary wildlife warden Sawant Behekar, NTCA representative Rupesh Nivate, WTI member Idris Ahmed and a veterinary officer. A team of veterinarians carried out the post-mortem in front of the committee. In the first examination they suspected electrocution. All the organs were intact. Afterwards the carcass was cremated in the presence of panch witnesses.

Burn marks consistent with an electric shock were seen on the body, and traces linked to the flow of current were found in the nearby field. Poaching is also suspected. Officials stress that this is only an initial assumption. Samples needed for forensic examination have been sent to a laboratory, and the actual cause of death can be confirmed only when the report arrives.

The Forest Department is questioning suspects, and according to preliminary information some people have been detained. Any role of anyone in the death can be officially confirmed only after the investigation is complete. Mr Landge and Mrs Lambat are conducting the probe, under the guidance of Mr Jagtap and Mr Kodape.

The Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, spread over Gondia and Bhandara districts, is an important biodiversity area and plays a major part in protecting tigers, leopards and other wildlife. Illegal electric wires around farms and clashes between people and wildlife remain a serious threat to animals there. The incident has caused concern among wildlife enthusiasts.