Berhampur: Panic gripped the residents of Akili village in Gajapati district after Forest Department officials discovered tiger pug marks near a cabbage field in the Chandragiri forested area on Friday.
The discovery was made when a local farmer spotted the footprints while tending to his field early in the morning. He promptly alerted the Forest Department, which despatched its rapid response team to the site. Officials confirmed the presence of tiger pug marks and collected samples using plaster of Paris for further analysis.
The sighting has left villagers in a state of fear, with many hesitant to step out at night. In response, the Forest Department has issued advisories, urging residents to remain indoors after dark and to exercise caution when venturing into nearby fields or forest areas.
