Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Environmental activist Rajendra Kerkar has warned that he will launch a hunger strike if the government fails to publicly reveal complete details surrounding the recent tiger death reported from Dharbandora within the next two to three days.
Kerkar accused the Forest Department of withholding crucial information related to the case and alleged that authorities were not being transparent about the investigation. He also criticised senior forest officials for remaining silent despite growing public concern over the incident.
“The public deserves to know the truth behind the tiger’s death. If all findings and reports are not disclosed within the next few days, I will be forced to begin a hunger strike,” Kerkar said.
The controversy comes even as the Forest Department on Thursday submitted its report on the tiger death to the government. Deputy Conservator of Forests Jiss Varkey confirmed that a detailed report had been forwarded for further action.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant declined to comment extensively on the issue, stating that the final forensic findings were still awaited.
“The postmortem has been completed and the forensic report is pending. I will speak on the matter after the department submits the final findings,” Sawant told reporters.
The tiger carcass was discovered last week in a private forested area at Aalot in Sacorda near the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. The remains were badly decomposed, and the animal’s teeth and claws were found missing, raising suspicion. However, forest officials earlier maintained that there was no prima facie evidence of foul play.
Sources said that a team from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Bengaluru, is expected to visit Goa to examine the circumstances surrounding the tiger’s death.
