Bhubaneswar: Panic grips several villages under Ghumsur forest division in Ganjam district after a Royal Bengal Tiger (RBT), reportedly from Maharashtra, killed and devoured a buffalo four days ago in Gangpur section.
The tiger’s presence has sparked fear among locals as it roams in the area.
Villagers discovered pug marks of the big cat on farmland, prompting Forest Department personnel to patrol the area and raise awareness about the tiger’s movement. Locals have been advised to avoid venturing into forest areas and grazing cattle.
A resident expressed, “We’re living in fear since the tiger killed a buffalo in our locality. The forest department team is patrolling and has set up camp nearby. We’re hesitant to graze cattle and goats outside our village.”
To capture the tiger, forest officials have set up cages with buffalo calves as bait at various locations in Ghumsur division.
The forest department closely monitors the tiger’s movement in Malatipahad area under Gangpur section. According to locals, the tiger has been spotted roaming in Gangpur, Bori, Balipata, and adjacent villages.
