Villagers angry as tiger kills 4 in 13 days

Forest officials,however,have no concrete response to the situation that is all set to turn ugly like in 2007 when villagers had virtually put an official under “house arrest” after a tiger killed four persons in a month. The tiger was later shot dead.

The tiger has now killed four in just 12 days. Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) Alok Joshi,who hasn’t yet visited the problem area,agreed that all killings could be attributed to a single tiger. “But remember all attacks have happened inside forest,” he argued.

On their plans,Joshi said,“we will do whatever best can be done.” Asked to elaborate,Joshi repeated the reply.

“There are well-laid down options like what his predecessor B Majumdar had followed. First,the tiger can be lured away from the spot by putting a bait,or it can be scared away by drumming of beats (haka). If these things don’t work,the tranquilising option has to be explored. The last report is to shoot the animal dead,” an activist said.

Asked why he hasn’t yet visited the area,Joshi said,“I am continuously monitoring the situation,but unpredictability is a factor for those living close to tigers.”

The conflict,which has returned after a gap of 10 months,has claimed seven lives from December 19.