Wayanad Tiger Found Dead Following Conflict with Another Animal
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Synopsis
A tiger that fatally attacked a woman related to Indian cricketer Minnu Mani in Wayanad, Kerala, was found dead in the forest. The government had previously classified it as a man-eater and ordered its elimination. This incident marks the eighth fatality from tiger attacks in the area over the past ten years.
Key Takeaways
- Wayanad is facing ongoing issues with tiger attacks.
- The tiger in question was marked as a man-eater by authorities.
- Officials confirmed the tiger died due to injuries from another tiger.
- The victim was related to a prominent Indian cricketer.
- The state government has provided financial support to the victim's family.
Wayanad, Jan 27 (NationPress) A tiger that fatally attacked the aunt of Indian cricketer Minnu Mani in the Mananthavady region of Kerala's Wayanad district was discovered deceased in the forest on Monday, according to officials.
The tiger claimed the life of a 45-year-old tribal woman on January 24. Following this incident, the Kerala government officially classified the tiger as a man-eater and mandated its elimination.
On Monday morning, forest veterinarian Dr. Arun Zachariah informed the media that the tiger was located around midnight, and a tranquillizer shot was administered. "By 2:30 a.m., our search team found the tiger lifeless. It had severe injuries to its neck, confirming that it succumbed to a conflict with another tiger. The body was located near a residence, and it has been verified that this is indeed the tiger responsible for the woman's death," he stated.
Dr. Zachariah suggested that the initial cause of death was due to injuries likely sustained during altercations with other wildlife in the forest. The tiger was estimated to be about seven years old.
He further noted that the precise cause of death would be determined following the completion of the post-mortem examination.
Deepa, a senior forest official leading the operation to eliminate the dangerous tiger, confirmed that evidence from approximately 38 camera traps has validated that the deceased tiger was the one that took the woman's life.
With the news of the tiger's death spreading throughout the district on Monday morning, villagers, particularly children, expressed relief. "Now we can go out and play," was the jubilant reaction of young kids celebrating the news of the tiger's demise.
Locals were seen gathering in large numbers on the streets, chanting slogans and showcasing their solidarity during this serious matter.
The tiger attack victim was identified as Radha, the wife of a temporary Forest Watcher and the aunt of Minnu Mani, the first female cricketer from Kerala to represent India.
The state government has announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹11 lakh, of which ₹5 lakh has already been disbursed, and her son has been guaranteed employment in the forest department.
Over the past decade, this marks the eighth instance of a tiger-related fatality in Wayanad district.
