Nagpur: The Bramhapuri forest division has sought permission to
capture the problem
tiger of
Sindewahi without following the standard operating procedure (SOP) issued by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
Even before a DNA report to identify the correct individual involved in conflict, a hurriedly constituted committee has sought permission to capture the sub-adult male which, Bramhapuri deputy conservator of forests (DyCF) Kulraj Singh says, was recorded in camera traps near the spots where a man was killed in Murmadi and a woman near Ladbori.
“Distance of both the spots is 5km. We have matched the pictures and it is the same tiger,” said Singh.
Singh says the committee will seek permission from PCCF (wildlife) to capture the problem animal in a couple of days. However, a report by the committee after a meeting on Monday, has already sought permission to capture the tiger by way of chemical immbolisation or physical capture.
It has also sought release of the tiger in Chaprala wildlife sanctuary in Gadchiroli district. Earlier, of the two tigresses released in Chaprala, one was electrocuted and another is still missing.
The man-animal conflicts have suddenly flared up and officials do not know how many tigers are involved and if there are more sub-adult cubs or a female in the attacks too.
This month problem tigers have mauled three people in Sindewahi range alone. One, Mahadev Gedam from Murmadi was killed on June 3, followed by a woman in Kinhi on June 15, and another woman Anubai Chaukhe from Ladbori on June 17.
The June 17 attack triggered immediate reaction from forest minister Sudhir Mungantiwar who asked that the problem tiger be identified and corrective steps taken.
As per the SOP, an authorized spokesperson of the forest department should periodically update the media to prevent dissemination of distorted information relating to the operation and incidents, but no information is being shared with the media.