Wildlife – Pench Tigress Langdi Dies, Raisen Fort Cannon Probe Ordered
Wildlife – An ageing tigress known for her distinctive limp has died at Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, while authorities have launched an inquiry into alleged misuse of a cannon at a historic fort in the state. In a separate development, the daughter of a senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader from Betul district passed away after battling prolonged health issues. These events have drawn attention across the state, touching on wildlife conservation, heritage protection, and personal loss in political circles.
Tigress with a remarkable legacy passes away
Forest officials confirmed that an 18-year-old tigress popularly known as Langdi died recently at Pench Tiger Reserve due to age-related health complications. The tigress had earned her nickname because of a noticeable limp caused by a congenital deformity. Despite this physical challenge, she survived in the wild for nearly two decades and played a meaningful role in the reserve’s tiger population growth.
Born in 2008, Langdi shared the same mother as the famous tigress Collarwali, though they were born in different litters. Collarwali became widely known among wildlife enthusiasts for giving birth to 29 cubs during her lifetime before dying in January 2022 at the same reserve.
Officials say Langdi also contributed significantly to the conservation success story of Pench Tiger Reserve by raising ten cubs over the years. Many of these cubs later established their own territories in and around the reserve, strengthening the local tiger population.
Pench Tiger Reserve, often associated with the setting that inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, has been a crucial habitat for tiger conservation in central India. Forest authorities noted that Langdi’s long survival despite her physical limitation highlighted the resilience of wildlife in protected habitats.
NHRC orders inquiry into cannon use at historic fort
Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission has initiated an investigation into allegations regarding the use of a cannon at Raisen Fort, a historic structure protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. The fort is located in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh and holds significant historical and architectural value.
The commission has issued notices to several central and state government authorities after receiving a complaint claiming that the cannon was being fired daily without proper authorization. According to the complaint, the repeated firing was generating vibrations and loud noise that could potentially harm the centuries-old structure.
Concerns were also raised about videos circulating on social media that reportedly showed individuals using the cannon while making provocative remarks. The complainant argued that such activities could threaten both the physical integrity of the monument and public safety.
Officials from relevant departments are expected to examine whether proper permissions were granted and whether safety protocols were followed. The inquiry will also assess whether the heritage site suffered any structural impact due to the reported activity.
Daughter of state BJP president dies after prolonged illness
In another development, Surabhi Khandelwal, the 34-year-old daughter of Madhya Pradesh BJP president Hemant Khandelwal, passed away following a sudden cardiac arrest. According to family sources, her health deteriorated shortly after a routine physiotherapy session.
Surabhi had been living with serious medical conditions for several years and required continuous care. Her family had been supporting her treatment and rehabilitation with regular medical supervision.
Her last rites were performed in Betul, the family’s hometown, where many local residents and political figures gathered to offer condolences.
Hemant Khandelwal currently serves as the BJP’s state president and represents Betul as a legislator for the second time. He previously served as a Member of Parliament in the 14th Lok Sabha between 2008 and 2009 and has remained an influential political figure in the region.
The news of Surabhi’s death prompted messages of sympathy from political leaders and party workers across Madhya Pradesh, who expressed support for the grieving family.