Overview
- Forest officials declared a male tiger a man-eater after evidence of consumption and the recovery of K. Ravikumar’s body on Aug. 23, following the earlier death of M. Balakrishnan on Aug. 9.
- The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has deployed four specialised teams using ground trackers and drones, placed six baited cages with live bait and sought two kumki elephants to help drive or tranquillise the animal.
- Camera-trap images have been inconclusive so officials cannot match the animal to NTCA records or assess its health, so a reliable veterinary examination can occur only after capture and Chief Wildlife Warden approval.
- Precautionary measures include suspending estate work, advising residents to stay indoors after dark and arming ground teams with firearms that are authorised to be used only if the tiger charges and poses an immediate threat.
- If captured, officials will decide whether to shift the tiger to Arignar Anna Zoo at Vandalur or to the Pethikuttai wildlife treatment centre for care, and the operation is likely to keep local plantations and workers disrupted until a veterinary verdict is reached.