BHOPAL: Three days after Maharashtra forest officers arrested two poachers from Betul district, recovery of carcass of another leopard in the region sent forest officers and wildlife enthusiasts into a tizzy.
The leopard was allegedly killed using live electric wires by poachers unlike in previous case where the threatened species was shot dead and skinned for trading. Forest officers, however, denied any poaching attempt in the case.
"We have sent samples for forensic analysis to ascertain actual cause of its death," said A S Tiwari, DFO (North). Leopard must have died three days ago, he said.
It was found in Bohra range of Satpura-Maikal central India, largest natural habitat of tigers in the world in northern region of Betul district.
Last week, Maharashtra forest officers had arrested two poachers Rajaji Kalsekar and Bheemrao Kusumkar from Betul's Adaumbhar village. They were arrested on the basis of information given by two wildlife traders - Firoz Shah and Dinesh Gajanan of Katol districts - who were caught red-handed with leopard hide from Warud range in Amrawati forest division on August 31, sources said.
They told interrogators leopard was poached in MP Betul district three months ago.
Gang was arrested on the basis of a specific intelligence input.