Re-postmortem report of suspected poacher in TN to be submitted to Madras HC on April 15

IANS April 12, 2025 250 views

A mysterious death of a suspected elephant poacher in Tamil Nadu has escalated into a major legal and political controversy. The Madras High Court has mandated a re-postmortem by forensic experts after allegations of potential custodial torture emerged. PMK leader S. Ramadoss has demanded a CBI investigation and compensation for the deceased's family. The case highlights ongoing tensions between forest officials and local communities over wildlife crime enforcement.

"We demand a CBI inquiry and compensation for the family" - S. Ramadoss, PMK Founder
Chennai, April 12: The re-postmortem report of G. Senthil, a 28-year-old suspected elephant poacher found dead under suspicious circumstances in Tamil Nadu's Dharmapuri forest, will be submitted to the Madras High Court on April 15.

Key Points

1

Senthil's suspicious death triggers high-profile forest department investigation

2

Forensic re-postmortem ordered by Madras High Court

3

CB-CID collecting evidence from crime scene and family

4

Political controversy erupts over alleged custodial torture

Senthil's decomposed body was discovered on April 3 in the Kongarampatti forest area.

He had been arrested on March 17 in connection with the poaching of a wild tusker, whose charred carcass was found in the Neruppur forest range.

While his father and brother were taken into custody along with him, they were released, and Senthil went missing.

A postmortem was conducted on April 6 without the consent of his wife Chithra, prompting her to file a petition in the High Court.

She alleged that Senthil may have been tortured to death in custody by forest officials and petitioned the Madras High Court for a re-postmortem.

Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan ordered a re-postmortem by a team of forensic experts from three different medical colleges -- Salem, Krishnagiri, and Chengalpattu.

The autopsy was conducted on April 10 in the presence of Senthil's wife and the CB-CID Investigating Officer.

The body has been preserved at Dharmapuri Government Medical College Hospital until the court-mandated submission date.

Meanwhile, the CB-CID has launched an investigation into the incident.

A team visited Senthil's village and the site where the body was found, collecting evidence and family testimonies.

The case has sparked a political controversy.

PMK founder S. Ramadoss has demanded a CBI inquiry and Rs 50 lakh in compensation for Senthil's family.

He accused the state forest department of custodial torture and questioned the delay in reporting the death.

He also alleged the possibility of foul play, suggesting Senthil may have had incriminating information about forest officials.

Forest officials, however, claimed that Senthil had escaped custody and died by suicide.

The High Court is expected to take a call on further proceedings after examining the re-postmortem report on April 15.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is so heartbreaking 💔 Whether he was a poacher or not, no one deserves to die like this. The re-postmortem needs to be thorough and transparent. Justice must prevail.
R
Rahul S.
The forest department's claim that he "escaped and died by suicide" sounds suspicious. Why would a suspect escape just to kill himself? Too many unanswered questions here.
M
Meena V.
While the circumstances are tragic, let's not forget this man was a suspected poacher. Elephants are our national heritage and poachers destroy that. Two wrongs don't make a right, but perspective matters.
A
Arjun P.
The involvement of forensic experts from three different colleges gives me hope for an impartial report. The truth needs to come out, whatever it may be. Kudos to the HC for taking this seriously.
S
Saranya L.
The article presents both sides well, but I wish there was more context about the original poaching case. How strong was the evidence against Senthil? That could help understand the full picture better.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Senthil Poaching Case Madras High Court Forest Department G.K. Ilanthiraiyan S. Ramadoss Tamil Nadu Wildlife Crime
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