Veterinarian Dr DN Nagaraj told TOI a bullet had pierced and exited the tiger's vertebral column, which subsequently led to its death. "This is probably the first case of a tiger death due to gunshots in this region. A leopard that was recently found dead near Kabini backwaters too succumbed to a bullet wound," he added.

According to statistics on tigernet, an online directory that documents the wildlife mortality rate, deaths of 66 tigers were reported this year till August 10, of which 10 were from Karnataka, including the two cubs that died recently at Nagarahole. The death of the tiger at Bandipur takes the tally to 67. The webpage lists accidents, infighting, rail/ road accidents, poisoning, poaching, natural causes among the reasons for the deaths. Most cases are currently being probed.

Forest officials at Bandipur said local poachers might have fired at the tiger, resulting in its immediate death. They claimed all parts of the body were intact and they suspect the involvement of a professional gang of poachers.

However, non-official member of the wildlife board, B Malleshappa pointed out that professional poachers would have made away with body parts such as pelt, claws and teeth. "But nothing is missing. The incident may have occurred three days ago. It came to light only when beat officers noticed it in the puddle. The tiger may have moved some distance after it had been fired at," he added.

"It could have been done by local poachers. However, Bandipur officials will decide on handing over the case to an elite agency, since this is the first case of a tiger death by a bullet wound in the recent past in Karnataka," Malleshappa said.

"We can't jump to conclusions on whether it was an act by a local gang or professional poachers. We are likely to hand the case over to Karnataka police since a firearm was used to kill India's national animal," said a forest department official.