Kalikavu, Malappuram: The tiger that killed a 45-year-old rubber tapper near Kalikavu nearly two months ago was finally captured on Sunday morning, according to the Forest Department. It was caught in one of the multiple cages set up in the area as part of an intensive search operation.

The tiger, identified earlier as a 13-year-old male from Silent Valley National Park, had eluded capture for weeks despite continuous efforts involving camera traps, thermal drones, and kumki elephants. Three rapid response teams had been deployed since May 15, following the fatal attack on Gafoor, a local rubber tapper who was dragged into the forest by the animal.

However, the tiger’s capture triggered tension in the locality, as large crowds of residents gathered to stop forest officials from removing the animal. Locals feared the tiger would be released back into the same area, posing further danger to the community. The standoff ended only after authorities assured them that the tiger would not be released nearby.

Forest Minister A K Saseendran confirmed that the tiger is currently in the Forest Department’s custody. “An expert-level consultation will be held to decide whether the tiger should be released deep into the forest or relocated to a wild animal shelter,” he said.

A senior forest official added that, due to the tiger's age, around 13 years, the likelihood of releasing it back into the wild is low.

The tiger was previously identified through camera trap footage set up following the May attack. The Forest Department’s tracking operation was one of the most extensive in recent times, involving advanced surveillance and wildlife teams over a prolonged period.