Leopard shot dead in Mysuru; Karnataka forest minister Eshwar Khandre orders probe

BENGALURU: A leopard was allegedly shot dead in Mysuru district, prompting forest authorities to launch a probe. Karnataka forest minister Eshwar Khandre has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and directed officials to punish those responsible. The incident occurred in the Koppa section under Periyapatna limits of Hunsur division, officials said. The minister issued written instructions to the Chief Wildlife Warden, according to an official statement. Terming the death of the two-year-old female leopard by gunshot as "very painful", Khandre said poaching for wildlife organs continues despite enforcement efforts. He directed officials to conduct a detailed inquiry into the case. Citing the postmortem report, the minister said doctors found three bullets lodged in the leopard’s body. He instructed authorities to identify and take action against those involved in poaching as per law, and to initiate disciplinary proceedings against patrol personnel if any lapses in surveillance are found.