Proof of this came when the dismembered remains of three specimens of this protected species were found in the Babaria range on March 3, according to a delayed report received here on Monday.

Forest department sources confirmed that mutilated remains of two lionesses and a cub have been found and it has announced a reward of Rs 50,000 to anyone providing details of the poachers leading to their arrest.

According to eye-witnesses the killing prima facie seemed to be the handiwork of an organised gang working to a clear intent. The head, bones and toenails were missing while pieces of flesh and skin have been left behind. The skin of the lion does not fetch a lucrative price in the market though head may be a trophy hunters delight. Lions are generally poached for their nails which are used as talisman and their bones which are put to use for virility medicines by practitioners of ancient medicinal concoctions.

Generally two methods of ensnaring lions are used by poachers. One is to poison their kill and the other is to trap them. Three freshly dug depressions indicate that the three were trapped and then slaughtered. As in the past, this seems to be the handiwork of a poaching gang from Madhya Pradesh which has been known to use this modus operandi.

With the sugarcane cutting season in full swing, a horde of migrant labour descend from neighbouring states attracted by high wages. Thus this is also prime poaching time as they come in masquerading as labourers easily hiding their true identities and motives in the crowd.