Bengaluru: More than 10 blackbucks were found dead in Betageri and Alavandi villages of the Koppal district, forcing the state forest department to order an inquiry.

According to the officials from the state forest department, these blackbucks were found dead on the groundnut and maize fields on Saturday. “Immediately our teams reached the spot. We can get the clear picture about the death only after the postmortem,” said officials.

It is said that the farmers have been spraying pesticides on the crops over the last few days to control crop diseases and pests. “There is no limit on the spraying. These blackbucks would have died after eating the plants sprinkled with pesticide,” said another officer.