Mini Veerappan arrested in tiger killing case at Male Mahadeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
Chamarajanagar: Forest officials have arrested the prime accused in the brutal tiger killing case reported from the Male Mahadeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka. The arrest marks a major breakthrough in the investigation into the death of a full-grown tiger whose mutilated body parts were found near Pacchedoddi village in the Hanur range on October 3, 2025.
According to forest department officials, the arrested accused has been identified as Govinda, a notorious poacher with a criminal background. He was apprehended in Mysuru after weeks of evading arrest. The accused had gone underground following the killing but continued to appear in court in connection with an earlier case, which ultimately led to his capture.
Dramatic arrest operation
Forest officials had gathered intelligence that Govinda would attend proceedings at a Mysuru court. Acting on this information, a special team of forest officers kept a close watch on the court premises. Sensing danger, the accused allegedly attempted to escape from the premises and boarded a train to flee the city. However, the alert forest personnel chased and successfully arrested him before he could escape.
The arrest of Govinda, often referred to as a “mini Veerappan” due to his history of forest crimes, had been repeatedly discussed in high-level meetings, including the Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) review and meetings chaired by the Forest Minister. There was mounting pressure on the department to track down the absconding accused, leading to intensified surveillance and coordination.
Background of the case
The shocking incident came to light on October 3 when forest officials discovered the severed head, shoulder, and front limbs of a tiger near Pacchedoddi village. The presence of intact claws and teeth raised immediate suspicion of poaching rather than natural death. A detailed investigation was launched, and several suspects were detained in the days that followed.
Investigators later found that the tiger had been killed in retaliation, allegedly after it attacked livestock. Since the carcass could not be transported as a whole, the accused reportedly cut the body into three parts to evade detection. Two portions were hidden inside a sack covered with leaves, while the remaining part was partially buried in soil. The meticulous planning indicated an attempt to ensure the crime went unnoticed.
Habitual poacher with prior cases
Forest officials revealed that Govinda was a habitual hunter who frequently entered forest areas in groups to carry out illegal hunting activities. Several cases had already been registered against him with both the forest department and local police. In the same case, earlier arrests had been made, including cattle owner Chandu and others identified as Siddaraju, Sampu, and Ganesh.
Officials stated that the arrest of the prime accused strengthens the prosecution’s case and helps unravel the entire network involved in the killing. Further interrogation is expected to reveal whether wildlife parts were intended for illegal trade.
Praise for forest officials
Senior officials and wildlife activists have lauded the forest department for its sustained efforts and coordination in tracking down the accused. Authorities reiterated their commitment to protecting wildlife and warned that strict legal action would be taken against those involved in poaching and wildlife crimes.
The investigation is ongoing, and officials are continuing efforts to recover any remaining evidence linked to the case.
