Tiger captured in Kultali after nightlong operation, villagers finally relieved

A tiger that strayed into human settlements in the Moypith-Baikunthapur Gram Panchayat area of Kultali was captured at 3:32 AM on Monday. Forest officials had set up two cages in a vegetable field, using a goat as bait. The tiger was successfully trapped in one of them. According to the forest department, it will undergo a health check-up before a final decision is made on its relocation, with a possibility of release into a deep forest later today.

The tiger had been spotted by local residents on Sunday, leading to widespread panic. The forest department and Kultali police arrived at the scene and installed a nylon net near Nagenabad No. 9 Mular Jetty Ghat to prevent the animal from entering the village. Despite the precaution, by morning, the tiger was seen near the net, prompting officials to accelerate their capture plan. Rajkumar Sapu, a local resident, reported seeing the tiger near a cremation ground in the afternoon, further alerting villagers and authorities.

During the operation, a member of the local Tiger Team, Ganesh Shyamal, was attacked by the tiger and sustained injuries to his neck. His colleagues managed to drive the animal away using sticks. Shyamal was immediately taken to SSKM Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment. His condition is stable, with stitches on his left arm and face. The medical board is monitoring his recovery, and his family has expressed satisfaction with his treatment.

As news of the capture spread, hundreds of villagers gathered at the site. Many stated that while tigers occasionally venture near the area, one had never entered so deep into human habitation. Authorities are now focused on ensuring the tiger’s safe relocation while continuing to monitor the situation in Kultali to prevent further incidents.