Representational Image | Photo: ANI
Wayanad: In the wake of the recent tiger attack resulting in the death of a farmer in Puthussery, the state forest department has intensified efforts to catch the wild cat. However, the animal could not be spotted even on the second day of search operations.
Cage to trap the cat
In a bid to trap the tiger, the forest department has set up a cage in Ponmudikotta where the presence of the animal is confirmed. According to the forest department’s assumption, the cub of a tiger, which was caught from here a month back, is roaming in the area.
Ponmudikotta and Edakkal are areas located far away from the forests. However, the current tiger attack also pose a threat to the tourists coming to Edakkal caves.
279 police officers deployed in Puthussery
A total of 279 police officers have been deployed in Puthussery, following the tiger attack, to maintain law and order. The police services are provided in areas, including North-Wayanad DFO office in Mananthavady, Government Medical College Hospital in Wayanad and Kalpetta MP office, among others.
Five teams for night patrolling
Although the search operations are on a halt, five teams of forest officials have been deployed for night patrolling. In addition to the team of officials from Varayal, Pulpally, Begur and Tholpetty forest stations, rapid response teams from Kozhikode and Wayanad have also been made part of the patrolling and search teams.
According to the officials, firing tranquilliser shots at the animal is risky. If the shot fails, then there are high chances for the tiger to enter the inhabited areas, worsening the situation.