Panic has gripped the areas surrounding Rajamahendravaram city in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district after sightings of a rogue tiger over the past five days. The forest department has launched an intensified operation to capture the big cat, which has been preying on livestock and instilling fear among residents.
Confirmation of the tiger’s attacks came from Bhupalapatnam village in Rajanagaram mandal, about 20 kilometers from the city. Officials have issued alerts, deploying forest teams, police, and Rapid Action Force personnel to secure the area and trap the animal.
District Collector Kriti Chakura announced the closure of nearby schools as a precaution. Sightings have been reported in the G. Errampalem region, where three calves fell victim to the tiger. ‘The tiger’s movements appear confined to this locality,’ she stated, urging vigilance.
On Wednesday night, the tiger struck again in Punyakshetram, killing a cow. Authorities advised residents to stay indoors, especially children, students, and the elderly. ‘Avoid solitary trips to fields, orchards, or forested zones,’ officials warned, emphasizing not to provoke the animal.
Twelve forest teams are actively laying traps with tranquilizers and cages. State Principal Chief Conservator of Forests P.V. Chalapati Rao revealed permissions to sedate and relocate the tiger to a forest. Expert teams from Pune and Delhi have been summoned.
Believed to have traveled 600 kilometers from Maharashtra via Telangana and Chhattisgarh over 15 days, the tiger has lingered within a 10-20 km radius of Rajamahendravaram for the last five days. Recent sightings near Diwan Cheruvu, National Highway, a corporate school, and SVBC Convention Centre forced motorists to halt.
Rajanagaram MLA B. Balaram Krishna confirmed governmental approval for safe capture. With continuous monitoring, officials assure the situation is under control, but residents remain on high alert as the operation continues.