PANAJI
A black panther was found dead on Monday evening near the Sonaulim temple inside the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, with forest officials suspecting electrocution from a nearby transformer as the cause of death.
The carcass was spotted just in front of the temple premises and was promptly recovered by a forest department team, which shifted it for further formalities.
A forest official said that the post-mortem examination has been conducted and an inquiry has been initiated to ascertain the exact circumstances leading to the animal’s death. “Prima facie, it appears to be an accidental death caused by an electric shock from the transformer located near the site,” the official said.
As per protocol, officials said that in all cases of unnatural wildlife deaths, an offence case is registered and a thorough inquiry is carried out under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The forest department has maintained that all prescribed procedures and standard operating protocols (SOPs) are being strictly followed in the matter.
