Mysuru
Forest officials have successfully captured a tiger suspected of killing three people near the Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR) in Karnataka. The operation took place on Saturday night in the Moleyur range, and the animal was tranquilized and moved to the Chamundi Wildlife Conservation, Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre on Mysuru’s outskirts.
The capture followed the death of Chowdaiah Naik, 35, a farmer from Halle Heggodilu village, who was attacked on Friday. This marked the third fatal tiger attack in the area since October 26. After the latest incident, Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre ordered the suspension of safari activities in Bandipur and Nagarahole reserves so staff could focus on the search operation.
Preliminary findings suggest the tiger is 12–13 years old with worn-down teeth, which may have prevented it from hunting wild prey. Officials believe this forced the tiger to venture into human settlements in search of easier prey like cattle and people. A DNA test is underway to confirm whether this tiger was responsible for all three attacks.
Minister Khandre’s office stated, “The animal was weak and had begun preying on humans and livestock.” Senior forest officials have been instructed to monitor tiger movements closely and investigate if other big cats are involved.
