Traps set up in Wayanad’s Pancharakolly to capture man-eating tiger; Special Task Force formed

With the latest attack on a woman leading to her death in Mananthavady, the Forest Department has confirmed the presence of a tiger in the region, although it has not yet been identified which tiger it is. Due to the animal frequently approaching human habitation, authorities are eager to capture it soon. A special task force has been formed, and intensive efforts are underway for the same. Traps have been set up at Pancharakolly to capture the man-eating tiger. The traps have been placed near the area where victim Radha’s body was found in the forest.

Forest staff from Thalappuzha and Varayal stations, along with the Rapid Response Team (RRT) from Mananthavady and Bathery, are conducting searches, involving around 100 personnel. Staff from Chethalath Range, Irulam Forest Station and Pulpally Forest Station have also been deployed in the area. Night patrols will continue. In the coming days, all staff from the North Wayanad Forest Division will be divided into teams for rotational searches. Shields and tiger protection suits have been brought to assist with the operations.

Use of technology and equipment

Thermal drones and regular drones are being used to locate the tiger and monitor the area, even at night. Also, 12-bore pump-action guns are being used. Assistant forest veterinary officers from the North Wayanad Division have already installed camera traps, under the supervision of Dr Ajesh Mohandas and Dr Arun Zachariah. The South Wayanad Division has also deployed camera traps and sent veterinary teams to the site.

A total of 89 camera traps and four live cameras have been set up to monitor the tiger's movements. Kumkis (trained elephants) from the Muthanga elephant camp will also join the operation.

Special Task Force

An Incident Command has been established for the Pancharakolly tiger operation, with a local operation commander. The Northern Circle CCF (Chief Conservator of Forests), K S Deep, is camping at the site. Other key officials, including Periya Range Officer P K Sanoop Krishnan, Begur Range Officer S Ranjith Kumar, Bathery RRT Officer K V Biju, Bathery Range Officer B R Jayan and Mananthavady Range Officer Rose Mary, are actively participating in the operation.
North Wayanad DFO (Divisional Forest Officer) Martin is overseeing the mission.