ANGUL: Two tranquilliser experts from Madhya Pradesh reached here on Monday to capture tigress Sundari, who had allegedly killed two persons in villages within the forest limits in the last one and half month.
The team members are Sandeep Agrawalla from Kanha Tiger Reserve and Akhilesh Mishra from Pench Tiger Reserve. Doctors by profession, both have experience in tranquillising wild animals, including tigers in Madhya Pradesh forests. It is learnt that the forest authorities here have not set any time frame for Sundari’s capture.
According to Divisional Forest Officer, Satkosia Wildlife Division, Ramaswamy, the two experts left for Asanbahal forest where the tigress is now camping. “They had gone to the forest where the tigress is staying to understand the location. They will go on Tuesday morning with all equipment. We hope that they will succeed in capturing the tigress soon,” said the DFO.
“Three Odisha teams which are already here since last Tuesday had put in their best efforts to tranquillise the tigress but failed as Sundari is not coming to plain grass area and has been moving in bush and deep forest,” said Ramaswamy. He sought the cooperation of locals when the team will work for the tranquillising the tigress.
Meanwhile, people in Satkosia region are still living in a state of panic and schools remain closed. Locals have not ventured into their agriculture fields located near forest ever since the killings took place.
On the other hand, male members of Tansi have deserted the village fearing police action. Several villagers had taken out a rally from the village to National Highway 55 and blocked the road after the killing of Trinath Sahu by the tigress. They also allegedly resorted to stone pelting and set on fire some police vehicles. Police raids are on in the village to nab the accused.