Villagers demand proof of tiger capture, caned

Though the Forest Department tranquillised and captured the tiger which claimed three lives in a span of one month, the villagers were not convinced and demanded that they see the tiger. As the villagers refused to budge for more than five hours and threw stones at a few private buses, tension began to mount, forcing the police to use mild lathi-charge to disperse the agitating crowd.

As the police took a few villagers into custody, the women staged a protest again demanding their release. Finally, the police released those in their custody to bring the situation under control.

Zoo tiger

The villagers set fire to tyres alleging that the department was lying about the capture of the tiger only to pacify them. They alleged that the department officials were enacting a drama by bringing a tiger from the zoo to convince them. Though the officials tried to explain the norms, the villagers were in no mood to listen.

The officials, who were involved in the search operation right from the break of the dawn, had no other option but to lathi-charge the crowd.

As the combing operation began, all schools in the panchayat limits were closed.

The plan

The department personnel drew up a meticulous plan to trap the tiger. In all, six elephants including Arjuna, Abhimanyu and Sarala, were used for the operation. The elephants were divided into three groups and stationed at vantage points to ensure that the tiger did not escape. More than 80 personnel and 10 officers took part in the operation.

According to the National Tiger Conservation Authority norms, the captured tiger should be relocated within a few minutes to a safe place before the tranquilliser effect wears off.

No public display of the animal is allowed. Only a few people from the panchayat are allowed to see the tiger, according to an officer.