Maharashtra forest dept captures big cat that killed villager

Rescue teams from Amravati, Buldhana and Nagpur were part of the operation

In an extremely challenging operation, the Maharashtra Forest Department tranquilised and captured a tiger that is suspected to have killed a man in Pandharkawda Taluka close to Nagpur.

Speaking to mid-day, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) - Wildlife, Sunil Limaye said, "The Rapid Rescue Units of the Forest Department successfully tranquilised and captured a tiger from Pandharkawda division on Monday. The big cat is responsible for a human death a few days back."

Sources said that more than 150 forest department staff members, including veterinarians were involved in the operation to trap the tiger. The operation started on Monday morning and after several hours the tiger was spotted near Pivardol village under the jurisdiction of the Pandharkawda Forest Department. The team of veterinarians tranquilised the tiger.

Last Saturday, the tiger had attacked a man in Pivardol village. Since the incident, the villagers were demanding that the tiger be captured to prevent further man-animal conflicts. Rescue teams from Amravati, Buldhana and Nagpur were part of the operation along with over 150 employees of the Pandharkawda Forest Department.

Also read: Maharashtra: Tiger kills 23-year-old man in Pandharkawda

86 tiger deaths in six months

An independent report by NGO Conservation Lenses & Wildlife states till June 30 this year there have been 86 tiger deaths in India. A total of 84 cases were reported in 2019. This year's total deaths have crossed that figure in just six months. The report further states Central India accounts for 56% of the total tiger deaths in India.