Mangalore: Kushalappa Gowda (40), an employee of the Pilikula Nisargadhama at Vamanjoor in the outskirts of the city, met a tragic end when  a sick tiger pounced on him when he had been to its cage to feed it on the night of July 31 at around 10.30 0m.

It has been reported that the tiger named Raja was under treatment and was examined by a veterinarian earlier in the day. The death of Kushalappa Gowda has raised several questions. It is learnt, when other staff who came in search of Kushalappa found him dead inside the cage while the tiger was out. It is said rules state that at least three staff notified by the Nisargadhama authorities should be present when wild animals are feeded or given  medicine. However, Kushalappa is learnt to have gone inside the cage all alone.