Tiger Presence Confirmed in Jagtial Border Village After 25-Day Search

Karimnagar: Forest officials confirmed the presence of a tiger in the border village of Jagtial district after the animal was captured using camera traps near Gangaram Thanda in Kodimyal mandal following a 25-day search.

The confirmation follows a series of cattle attacks in the region, including the killing of a cow and a calf, in what were previously considered unconfirmed reports. Officials said the animal was recorded by infrared cameras when it returned to feed on carcass placed in a suspicious area around 12.30am.

The tiger is estimated to be around four-and-a-half years old and was moving in the Kodimyal forest area last week, district forest officer M. Ravi Prasad said.

“The tiger was roaming in Kodimyal forests last week. The animal, which killed a cow and consumed only its part on Sunday night, returned for the remains on Monday midnight and our cameras captured it,” DFO Ravi Prasad said.

He said four teams were deployed to monitor the animal’s movement, while a rescue team was on hand to calm it down and relocate it if necessary.

Local authorities have issued advisories in Gangaram Thanda and nearby localities, asking residents to avoid going out alone at night and move in groups during daytime visits to agricultural areas. Drumming announcements were made in the villages as a precaution.

Authorities said that the three-phase electricity connection was disconnected at night as part of security measures.

The forest department has approved immediate assistance of Rs 5,000 and further compensation to cattle owners affected by the attacks.

“We appeal to the public not to harm the tiger; any such action will lead to heavy penalties under the Wildlife Protection Act,” DFO said, adding that the situation was being closely monitored to ensure public safety and protection of the animal.