MySuru: A family member of a 70-year-old man who died in a mysterious state, claimed he was killed by a tiger at HD Kote Taluk on Friday.
But foresters denied any animal attacks but investigated the incident.
According to the police, Marigowda, a resident of Kothanahalli near Colony Hirehalli B who came under the Metuuppe Forest Range of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve was found dead on his farmland.
Marigowda went to his farm to graze the livestock and because he did not return home at night, his family member became anxious.
They, together with a group of villagers went looking for him and found him dead on his farm.
They immediately told the foresters who rushed to the place and held a mahazar.
Foresters said that during the initial investigation they did not find a sign of the deceased’s body to claim a tiger attack or attack by any wild animal.
The real cause of death can only be disclosed after post-mortem reports are available, the officer said.
However, villagers who held protests, claimed Marigowda had died in a tiger attack and family members must be compensated.
Meanwhile, the body has been stored in a government hospital for medical procedures.
RFO Huggar RFO MailPuppe, DB Kuppe RFO Madhu and sub-inspector Sub Inspector Jayaprakash visited the place.