Operation mounted to capture 'killer' animal

Officials from the forest department have stepped up efforts to capture the animal responsible for the fatal mauling of Javaraiah, a resident of Maddur Colony, in Gundlupet taluk, here on Saturday.

While forest officials are still uncertain about the type of carnivore responsible, two cages have been set up in the area. In addition, five elephants and staff have been pressed into action to aid the operation.

While eight camera traps have also been installed, neither a tiger nor a leopard have been captured on film. But Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, C Srinivasan pointed out that this has not dampened the search. “Cages will be set up with baits and they will be monitored for the next three days,” he said.

Chief Conservator of Forests and Director of Bandipur Tiger Reserve, H C Kantharaju added that tranquiliser guns are also being brought from Bannerghatta and Nagarahole.

Responding to questions on whether the animal was a maneater, Kantharaju said that even though the body of the victim was “disturbed,” there was little evidence to indicate that the animal had eaten any part of victim’s body.

According to Kantharaju, compensation has been distributed to the family of the deceased on “humanitarian grounds.” (The attack took place inside the forest. Compensation is not generally awarded if human deaths take place inside the forests).

The money was distributed by Chamarajanagar district-in-charge minister Mahadeva Prasad.