'Tranquilize the man-eater tiger, kill if needed'; Chief Wildlife Warden issues new order

WAYANAD: With protests from locals getting fierce, the Chief wildlife warden ordered to immediately dart the man-hunting tiger with tranquillizers. The order also allowed to kill the giant cat if necessary. Prajeesh Kuttappan Marottiparambil(36), a Vakeri native was mauled to death and was consumed by a man-eating tiger when he went to collect grass to feed his cattle.

The locals created havoc and stopped the DFO in one strong pretest on the premises. They demanded to immediately kill the tiger. With the new order from the Chief wildlife warden, the protesters ended their rebellion optimistically.

Prajeesh's post-mortem process has been completed. The body will be taken home soon. IC Balakrishnan MLA who was protesting ended his fast after knowing about the order. Forest Minister AK Saseendran informed that all steps have been taken to capture the tiger. A search has been started for the tiger where the body of the youth was found.

People's representatives and all-party leaders were on a fast in front of the Batheri Taluk Hospital, declaring that they would continue their protest until the officials declared an order to kill the tiger.

Prajeesh’s relatives refused to cremate his body until the order was issued. On Monday, as usual, Prajeesh, a dairy farmer, went to collect grass for his cattle in his vehicle. The location was just 300m away from his house and was at a private property. However, Prajeesh took more time than he usually does to return which made his mother anxious. Prajeesh’s brother and locals searched and found the tiger eating the human flesh on the premises. Upon seeing them, the beast quietly walked away.

The incident took place in the South Wayanad Forest Division in the Chethalayam Range. There are coffee plantations on both sides and a grassy field in the middle. Tracking experts are checking the presence of the tiger in the area.