The Forest department on Monday sent the Deputy Conservator of Forests and two other officials on compulsory leave with immediate effect pending an inquiry into the case of 'unnatural death' of five tigers in the Male Mahadeshwara Hills, officials said.
A female tigress and her four cubs were found dead in the Hugyam range of the MM Hills on June 26.
Following the incident, three people, including the owner of the dead cow sprayed upon with poison and consumed by the wild cats, were arrested.