08/11/2015
ROARrrrr for Jungle Tiger
The Tiger Effect, everything comes to standstill ...
Tiger in paddy field, villagers live in terror ...
JHARKHALI: The tiger that has been lurking around a village at Jharkhali in the Sunderbans for a week sneaked into a paddy field early on Friday morning, triggering panic among locals. Villagers spotted the big cat trying to clear a nylon fence to get back to the forest at around 4.20am. Failing to jump over the barrier, it took refuge at the paddy field, which spreads over 15 bighas. A nylon fence has been erected around the ground and forest guards are keeping a vigil.
Two days ago, it had killed a cow at the village. "Last night, the tiger had sneaked into the village to feast on the animal. It tried to cross back into the nearby forest but couldn't clear the obstruction. We are ready with tranquilizers and hope to be able to drive the animal back soon," said Dibyojyoti Bera, assistant divisional forest officer.
All this while, villagers were confined to their homes. "We are living in fear every moment. Work has come to a standstill and children have not been going to school. Till the tiger leaves the village, our livestock are not safe either," said Manju Ray, a local.
Three trap-cages have been placed around the paddy field and floodlights put up to locate the tiger. "We are keeping a round-the-clock vigil to ensure that the tiger doesn't attack locals. We must wait for the tiger to show up," said Bera.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Tiger-in-paddy-field-villagers-live-in-terror/articleshow/49695564.cms