Estate worker mauled to death by tiger in TN, forest dept sets up 48 cameras to catch animal

The forest department in Udhagamandalam is setting up 48 cameras and nine cages and enlisting services of veterinary and tranquilising experts as part of its efforts to capture an elusive tiger, which has mauled an estate worker to death.

The feline is now moving around Devarsolai area, a senior district official said on Monday.

The cameras and cages have been installed at strategic points on possible routes the tiger might take while six goats and two calves have been placed as bait to attract the big cat, Nilgiris District Revenue Officer M Bhaskarapandiayn said.

Three teams have been formed to trace the carnivore, with veterinarian and tranquilising experts positioned atop trees for easy monitoring and operation, he said.

The pictures captured on cameras suggested the tiger has injuries at five places and a deep cut on its left leg, which slowed down its movement, District Forest Officer Tejaswi said.

Magu, hailing from Jharkhand, was mauled to death two days ago while returning home from the estate.

Meanwhile, a cheque for Rs 3.5 lakh was handed over to Magu's family by the state government.