Tiger enters residential area, firecrackers burst to force giant feline go back to forest

WAYANAD: A tiger that has spread terror in the populated area was spotted in the Panamaram Mecheri field area. The forest department found the tiger resting. Efforts are being made to release the tiger into the forest by tonight. The area has been cordoned off by a forest guard team. South Wayanad DFO Ajith K Raman informed that efforts are being made to release the tiger into the Pathiriyambam forest area. An eighty-member forest guard team is at the spot for the tiger mission. The Mecheri field area where the tiger was seen today is just four kilometers away from the Padikkam Vayal area where the tiger was seen yesterday. An extensive search was launched in the area after the tiger's footprint was seen here this morning.

Kumki Elephants Bharat and Vikram from Muthanga have also been brought as part of the mission. Due to the fear of tigers, prohibitory orders are in place in Panamaram and Kaniyampatta panchayats. Families in Mecheri and Pulikkal areas have been advised to stay at home. The tiger was found today, 28 hours after its presence was detected.

The tiger was spotted yesterday in Padikkam Vayal, Pachilakkad, which is on the border of Panamaram and Kaniyambatta panchayats. Binu and his team from Padikkam Vayal Unnati spotted the tiger at around 9 am yesterday. Following information from the locals, Kambalakad police and Vellamunda forest officials reached the spot. During the inspection, the tiger's footprints were found. Later, a drone was used to inspect the area. The tiger was caught on the forest department's helicopter cam. With this, it was decided to set up a cage in the area.