Daijiworld Media Network – Madikeri
Madikeri, Feb 11: Following a terrifying night where a tiger killed three cows in Besaguru village, forest department officials have launched a major operation to capture the conflict animal in South Kodagu.
The latest attack occurred late on Monday evening, resulting in the death of two cows belonging to farmer B Prakash and a pregnant cow owned by farmer Rajappa. All three incidents took place within a 150-metre radius, leaving the villagers in a state of panic. Over the last few months, more than seven cattle have reportedly fallen prey to tiger attacks in the region.
The incident triggered a massive protest by local farmers and office-bearers of the farmers' association. Protesters blocked forest officials for nearly three hours, expressing their anger over the department's perceived failure to curb the tiger movement. Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Sonal Vrishni later visited the spot and assured the villagers that the tiger would be captured immediately.
Responding to the crisis, the PCCF (Wildlife) has granted official permission for the capture. The animal has been identified through camera traps as a tiger from the Nagarahole region.
Virajpet DCF Jaganath confirmed that a team of over 80 foresters, including Rapid Response Teams (RRT) and Range Forest Officers (RFO), are involved in the mission. "We are currently monitoring the conflict zone using drones. Two tamed elephants have been brought to the spot, and the capture operation has commenced according to NTCA guidelines," he said.
The forest department has also assured compensation for the farmers who lost their cattle in the recent attacks.