Nagpur: A shocking revelation through the Right to Information (RTI) Act has raised disturbing questions over Maharashtra’s tiger conservation and wildlife crime investigations. Official records reveal that 24 tiger deaths recorded between 2022 and 2026 remain unexplained, with authorities yet to determine the cause of death, complete investigations, or fix responsibility.
The disclosures have triggered concerns among wildlife experts and activists, who fear that several of these “unknown” deaths may actually be cases of undetected poaching that have escaped scrutiny due to poor investigation and delayed forensic examination.
According to information obtained by Nagpur-based RTI activist Abhay Kolarkar from the Maharashtra Forest Department, 175 tiger deaths were reported across the state during the five-year period from 2022 to 2026. Of these, 24 deaths, nearly 14% of the total, remain officially classified as “unknown,” with no final conclusion on what killed the animals.
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Wildlife conservationists argue that every unexplained tiger death should be treated as a potential wildlife crime until proven otherwise. They question how investigations into the deaths of India’s most protected animal can remain inconclusive for years.
The unexplained deaths have been reported from some of Maharashtra’s most important tiger habitats, including Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR), Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR), Umred-Paoni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary (UPKWS), and Melghat Tiger Reserve (MTR). Several cases have also emerged from forest divisions adjoining protected areas, particularly around Chandrapur.
What has alarmed experts further is that several cases were registered as “seizures,” where tiger body parts were recovered, an indication that poaching could not be ruled out. Yet, despite the recovery of wildlife contraband, investigations have failed to reach legal closure.
The RTI records also expose glaring gaps in the investigation process. In many cases, essential evidence such as postmortem reports, forensic examinations, DNA analysis and histopathology reports is either unavailable or remains incomplete. Wildlife experts warn that delays in collecting and analysing scientific evidence significantly reduce the chances of identifying the actual cause of death and prosecuting offenders.
The Forest Department’s own data categorises the 175 tiger deaths as follows:
• 95 natural deaths
• 27 accidental deaths
• 18 electrocution deaths
• 11 confirmed poaching deaths
• 24 deaths where the cause remains unknown
The year-wise figures reveal an equally worrying trend. Twelve unexplained tiger deaths have already been reported in 2026, the highest in the last five years, followed by 10 unknown deaths in 2025 and two in 2024.
While official records acknowledge 11 poaching deaths, activists believe the actual figure could be significantly higher if the pending investigations are completed scientifically. The highest number of confirmed poaching cases, six, was reported in 2023, followed by three in 2022 and one each in 2024 and 2025.
The RTI data also points to a growing threat from infrastructure-related accidents. Twenty-seven tigers have died in road and railway accidents during the five-year period. The highest number—nine accidental deaths, was recorded in 2023, followed by seven in 2025, four each in 2022 and 2024, and three so far in 2026.
Wildlife activists say the figures expose a larger institutional failure. Without establishing the cause of death, they argue, authorities cannot determine whether criminal offences were committed, identify those responsible, or improve protection measures to prevent future deaths.
“The biggest concern is not merely the number of tiger deaths, but the fact that investigations into so many cases remain incomplete. Every unexplained tiger death weakens wildlife protection because it leaves open the possibility that poaching has gone undetected,” said a wildlife activist.
The RTI disclosures have now raised uncomfortable questions for the Forest Department. Are these genuinely unexplained deaths, or has the failure to complete scientific investigations allowed potential wildlife crimes to disappear into official records? Until every pending case is conclusively investigated, the mystery surrounding Maharashtra’s missing tigers is likely to deepen.
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