PANAJI
While the initial post mortem findings in the tigress death at Dharbandora remained inconclusive due to decomposition of the carcass, the Forest Department, prima facie, has ruled out poaching angle. The department is now waiting toxicological, forensic and DNA analysis reports to ascertain the exact cause of death.
“As per the provisional diagnosis in the post mortem report dated May 6, 2026, the “cause of death is inconclusive” due to the advanced stage of decomposition of the carcass. For further investigation, samples are collected and submitted for toxicology, forensic and DNA analysis,” reads the report submitted to the government.
The department said that prima facie there were no signs indicating poaching, as no suspicious objects such as metal wires, bullets or traps were found at the site. Officials also ruled out poisoning owing to major scavenger activity observed on the carcass.
“Prima facie, there is no poaching angle suspected as verified at the site and no suspected objects like metal wires, bullets or traps are detected. Further, poisoning attempt is not doubted due to major scavenger activity found on the carcass. However, exact cause of death can be ascertained only after receipt of the results of toxicological and forensic analysis,” the report stated.
Speaking to media persons after chairing a meeting with forest officials, Minister Vishwajit Rane said that there is no poaching and the parts that were missing are also recovered. “The department works transparently, we act after proper discussion. All tests are done accurately,” he said.
The highly decomposed carcass was found at private forest areas of Aalot near the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary last Saturday, with teeth and claws missing, which were recovered subsequently. The forest department in its report confirmed that it is Royal Bengal Tigress.
The department said that protocols prescribed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) were followed from the time the tiger carcass was located till post mortem and collection of samples for forensic and toxicological examination.
The department said the area has been cordoned off and search operations by dedicated forest squads are continuing to locate additional body parts from the site. Daily recoveries are being sealed through panchanama procedures. Authorities have also decided to keep the sealed carcass in safe custody until receipt of final toxicology and forensic analysis reports, subject to approval of the Chief Wildlife Warden, Goa.
