Jajpur: Panic gripped a village in Jajpur district after a Royal Bengal tiger was allegedly spotted near a sugarcane field, with a local youth claiming to have captured the big cat on his mobile phone. The reported sighting sent villagers into a tizzy as police and forest officials rushed to the spot and launched a search to verify the claim.
The tiger was reportedly spotted at Talua village under Sauda panchayat in Badachana block on Saturday afternoon.
According to locals, Srikant Dhinda was inside his house when he noticed the animal moving near a sugarcane field close to his residence. He allegedly took a photograph of the animal on his mobile phone before it disappeared into the sugarcane crop.
Srikant subsequently alerted his family members and fellow villagers, following which the information was passed on to the forest department. The photograph was also circulated on WhatsApp and social media, triggering panic in the locality.
Jajpur Road SDPO Sarat Chandra Patra, after receiving the information, spoke to Balichandrapur IIC Dilip Mohanty and urged authorities to take immediate steps in view of the possible threat to public safety.
Balichandrapur police reached the village, while forest officials began examining suspected footprints and searching the sugarcane fields to ascertain whether a tiger was actually present in the area.
Reports of suspected tiger footprints have also emerged from nearby Baniari village, further fuelling apprehension among residents. A team comprising the Range Officer, Chandikhol Forester and Balichandrapur police personnel is conducting searches at different locations.
Large crowds have gathered in the area hoping to catch a glimpse of the animal, prompting officials to advise villagers to remain alert and stay away from the suspected tiger’s movement zone.
The forest department is verifying the photograph and other evidence to establish whether the animal is indeed a Royal Bengal tiger. Officials are also monitoring the area for any further signs of its movement.
