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THE STATE OF THE TIGER Acknowledgements   Introduction   National Update   International Trade   MP Tiger State   Poaching and Trade   Timber Mafia   Wildlife and People Bastar Timber Scam   Netam Scam   Local People   Timber Fraud   Report on Wildlife   Sal Borer Scam   Fish Mafia   Mining   Indrawati   Staff Issues   Nationwide   Kaziranga   Conclusions   Timber Mafia - Mafia: Exploitation of Wildlife and People The forests and wildlife in some areas of Madhya Pradesh have fallen into the hands of powerful criminal groups, operating as a Mafia. The activities of these Mafia contribute to the degradation of the tigers' habitat and intimidate those who confront them. While the State government looks on, Forest Department staff are victims of beatings and even murder, at the behest of timber, fish, antler and minor forest produce Mafia, and poaching gangs. Behind some of these criminal gangs are State politicians and bureaucrats, exploiting local people to their own end and using their position to protect the Mafia from prosecution. In some cases local police are also involved, leaving the poorly paid, ill-equipped forest staff exposed and vulnerable. Where Forest Department personnel and other officials have stood in opposition to this Mafia, they have not been given the support of their political masters. In some areas they have been transferred for simply trying to carry out their duties. next... Tigers Home