Bengaluru: Three people were arrested on Saturday in connection with the poisoning deaths of a tigress and her four cubs in the Hugyam forest range of the Male Mahadeshwara Hills, police confirmed.

The carcasses of the big cats were discovered on Thursday, prompting an immediate investigation. Forest officials and police later found the remains of a poisoned cow, which proved to be the breakthrough in the case.

According to police, a man identified as Maada, also known as Maaduraju, was reportedly enraged after his cow, named Kenchi, was killed by wild animals. In retaliation, he is believed to have laced the cow’s carcass with poison. When the tigress, which had initially preyed on the cow, returned to feed along with her cubs, all five animals died after ingesting the toxic remains.

Maaduraju's friend Nagaraju is alleged to have been present during the act and has also been arrested. Both suspects have been taken to Aranya Bhavan in Meenyam, located in Hanur taluk of Chamarajanagar district, for further questioning.

During the investigation, Maaduraju’s father, Shivanna, approached police claiming responsibility for the deaths. However, he was released after officers confirmed his son’s involvement in the incident.