Tiger that killed woman in Wayanad found dead

The tiger reportedly had encounters with other animals in the forest, and likely died due to the wounds suffered at this time, an official said.

Thiruvananthapuram: A tiger was found dead in the forest areas of Wayanad in Kerala during the early hours of Monday.

Forest department officials said that the tiger found dead was the one that killed plantation worker Radha at Pancharakolli near Mananthavadi on Jan 24.

Forest department officials told the media that the presence of the tiger in the region was felt by 12.30 am. By 2.30 am it was spotted. But, a tranquillizing attempt failed. Later it was found dead. There was no shooting attempt. There were some injuries on the body.

After performing a post mortem examination the forest officials said that portions of Radha's hair and dress along with her two earrings were recovered from the tiger's stomach. 

The tiger suffered injuries inflicted in an encounter with another tiger in the forest. It was suspected to be the reason for death.

Chief forest veterinary surgeon Dr Arun Zacharia said that prima faice the cause of death was the wounds the tiger was suspected to have sustained during encounters with other animals in forest. The beast was aged around seven.

From the body marks, the forest department confirmed that the tiger was the same one that killed the plantation worker.

The dead tiger was not in the database of Kerala forest department. Hence it was suspected to have entered Kerala forest from the adjacent forests of Karnataka.

Local residents were relieved from the tiger's scare. They burst crackers and distributed sweets to celebrate.

Kerala forest minister A K Saseendran said that forest officials would carry out thorough combing operations in all regions where people reported having seen tigers recently, so as to address their concerns.