Tiger that entered Kelakam could not be tranquilized, locals stop forest officials including DFO 

KELAKAM: The forest department’s attempt to capture the tiger that entered Kelakam panchayat, by tranquilizing it was not successful. The tiger was first seen near Chirakkuzhi Babu's rubber plantation around 10:30 am. The tiger was spotted in the neighboring area of Narangathattil just before spotting it in Adakkathodu Kariyamkappil on Saturday afternoon.

A forest guard team led by Kannur DFO S Vaishak arrived at the spot and made arrangements to capture the tiger. Ajesh Mohandas, veterinary surgeon at Vythiri in Wayanad, and his team reached the spot around 5.30 pm to capture the elephant after tranquilizing it. The tiger hiding in the forest could not be found. Even after searching till 8 pm, the tiger could not be found. Kottiyoor ranger Sudheer Naroth said the mission will resume this morning. As the tiger, which was in the area throughout the day, could not be caught, the locals protested by stopping the forest department officials, including the DFO.

The aged tiger has injuries on its body. It is believed that this may have caused the tiger to stay in the place instead of going to the forest. As the tiger was spotted in the yards of houses and in fields, prohibitory orders have been imposed in the area.