Sources said that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in its short-term recommendation had suggested that five poaching and related cases that were registered this year should be handed over to the CBI for further investigation. The approval for this has now been given.

Four of the cases — No. 11/91 dated 15.03.05, 45/91 dated 11.03.05, 11/92 dated 15.03.05, 11/93 dated 15.03.05 — are registered in Rajasthan and one case is registered in Delhi – Kamla Market Police Station FIR no 82/2005 dated 31.01.05. The cases also relate to a gang of suspected poachers who reportedly confessed to killing tigers in Sariska between 2001 and 2004.

The SIT in its long-term suggestion had pointed out that there is no way of relocating tigers to Sariska because of the absence of a fringe population and link with any tiger habitat. The team said after implementation of the short-term measures, there should be a programme for re-introduction of tigers there.