Man killed in suspected tiger attack near Gudalur; second such death in O-Valley this month

NILGIRIS: A 51-year-old man was killed in a suspected tiger attack at O Valley Forest in the Gudalur Division of the Nilgiris on Friday.

Key points

• According to an order by PCCF Rakesh Kumar Dogra, on August 9, M Balakrishnan (58) was killed in an attack by a wild carnivore.
• A Technical Guidance and Monitoring Committee was constituted on August 11 to assess the animal's movement.
• District Forest Officer P Devaraj and other forest authorities held discussions with the demonstrators, but the blockade was not lifted until late Friday night.
• Ranjith additionally called on an growth in compensation for the families of victims from `10 lakh to `25 lakh.
• R Ranjith, coordinator of O Valley Makkal Iyakkam, remarked this was the second consecutive death caused by a tiger attack in the area.

While working in the plantation near his residence, a tiger suddenly emerged from the coffee bushes and attacked him, on Friday morning. His body was discovered around 2 pm approximately 200 metres from his home by local residents. The tiger had mauled and partially consumed his hand, right shoulder and chest.

For context, the incident sparked immediate anger among residents of O Valley. This person staged a road blockade at Lauriston, demanding that the forest department capture the tiger.

For context, the protest continued through the evening. District Forest Officer P Devaraj and other forest authorities held discussions with the demonstrators, but the blockade was not lifted until late Friday night.

R Ranjith, coordinator of O Valley Makkal Iyakkam, remarked this was the second consecutive death caused by a tiger attack in the area. On August 9, another man was killed and his body partially eaten by a tiger.

Residents had protested after that incident, urging authorities to prevent further attacks. "Despite our demands, a second death has occurred. The forest department must take effective measures to control these incidents, " he remarked.

Ranjith additionally called on an growth in compensation for the families of victims from `10 lakh to `25 lakh. Forest authorities are investigating the attack.

Authorities seek permission to capture tiger responsible for attacks After two human fatalities in the Manjushree Estate area of O Valley Range in Gudalur Forest Division, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden has been approached for permission to install cages and capture the tiger suspected to be responsible for the attacks. According to an order by PCCF Rakesh Kumar Dogra, on August 9, M Balakrishnan (58) was killed in an attack by a wild carnivore.

Meanwhile, a Technical Guidance and Monitoring Committee was constituted on August 11 to assess the animal's movement. Intensive monitoring followed, including the installation of 22 camera traps, drone surveillance, and the deployment of Anti-Depredation Squad, Anti-Poaching Watchers and Rapid Response Team personnel.

Despite these measures, a second fatality occurred on Friday. Pugmarks near the scene, the partially devoured and mutilated condition of the body, and a tiger recorded on one of the camera traps indicate the presence of a tiger in the area.

Meanwhile, the District Forest Officer, Gudalur, and the Conservator of Forests & Field Director, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, have sought permission to place cages at strategic locations and undertake capture operations strictly in accordance with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and applicable guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures.

In short, man killed in suspected tiger attack near Gudalur; second such death in is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.