Mutilated tiger carcass found in Umaria, toll rises to 18 this year

Bhopal: A mutilated carcass of a tiger was found in a forest area of Umaria district on Monday, taking the number of tiger deaths in Madhya Pradesh this year to 18, officials said.The carcass was found within the jurisdiction of the Madhya Pradesh State Forest Development Corporation in the P-111 revenue area of Chandwar beat under the Umaria project division.Officials from the Forest Department and the State Forest Development Corporation went to the spot following information. The carcass was found lying amid bushes and was in a highly decomposed condition.A joint team carried out a search of the surrounding forest area to look for evidence. A dog squad has also been deployed to scan the site and nearby stretches for any signs of foul play or poaching. Authorities have stepped up patrolling and surveillance in the area.