Daijiworld Media Network – Mysuru
Mysuru, Nov 9: Bringing an end to weeks of fear and tension among residents of the forest-fringe villages in Saragur taluk, forest authorities on Saturday night captured an aged male tiger suspected to be behind a string of fatal attacks on people and livestock over the past month.
Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre confirmed the capture, stating that the tiger is believed to be responsible for the deaths of three people in separate incidents reported from the Hediyala, Moleyur, and Nugu forest ranges in recent weeks.
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The tiger, estimated to be 11 to 13 years old, was trapped near a trench close to Hosakote village in Kandalike hobli, Saragur taluk, on Saturday night following a major joint operation by personnel from the Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves. Drone cameras had detected the tiger’s movement in the area, enabling officials to track and capture it after several days of monitoring.
According to forest officials, the tiger had injuries to its neck and leg when it was found, possibly sustained during its wanderings in the dense forest terrain. It was later tranquillised, examined by veterinarians, and safely transported to the Koorgalli Rescue Centre in Mysuru taluk for medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Minister Khandre said that a DNA test and forensic verification would be carried out to conclusively confirm whether the captured tiger was indeed the “man-eater” responsible for the recent attacks. “Post-mortem reports of the victims and the tiger’s DNA must be cross-verified to confirm its involvement,” he stated.
Preliminary veterinary assessment revealed that the tiger’s teeth were severely worn down, likely leaving it unable to hunt wild prey effectively. This condition may have forced it to stray into nearby villages, attacking cattle and, in some cases, humans in search of easier food sources.
Khandre added, “I have instructed senior officials from the Mysuru Wildlife Division and Project Tiger to remain stationed in the affected areas and to continue monitoring until the situation stabilises. They have also been directed to investigate whether any other tigers might be involved in the recent attacks.”
Officials said that the operation involved teams from multiple forest ranges across Bandipur and Nagarahole, supported by Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) and local staff. Safari activities in both reserves had been temporarily suspended to divert manpower and ensure public safety during the tiger-capture operation.
Meanwhile, heightened vigilance continues in villages across Saragur taluk where tiger sightings have been frequent. Dedicated night-patrol squads comprising forest staff and RRT members are maintaining round-the-clock surveillance, while public address systems are being used to warn villagers whenever tiger movement is detected.
Forest personnel confirmed that the captured tiger will undergo comprehensive medical tests, DNA profiling, and observation before further decisions are taken regarding its long-term rehabilitation.