Two killed in tiger attacks within 24 hours in Kodagu-Kerala border village

MADIKERI: Two people were killed in a span 24 hours in separate incidents of tiger attack at Palleri village on the Kodagu- Kerala border on Sunday.

Eighteen-year-old Chethan, who was working in a coffee plantation, was killed at Palleri village on Sunday evening. The incident came to light when Chethan’s father Madhu went to the plantation in search of Chethan as he had not returned home.

A tiger also attacked Madhu in the stomach, leaving him injured. When he started screaming, the tiger escaped from the plantation. The tiger again appeared when owner of the land visited the plantation.

Another farmer, Raju (75), a resident of Palleri village, was attacked by a tiger on Monday morning while he was working in a coffee plantation. The tiger was attacked Raju’s neck and head. He succumbed to his injuries.

The Nagarahole ACF Gopal and team are making preparations to catch tiger. The villagers had demanded that the Forest Department take up measures to control the tiger menace pointing out that many pet animals and cattle had died in wild animal attacks. The man-animal conflict has been going on for the last five years, they said.

Manu Somaiah, president of the farmers’ association of Kodagu said, “If the forest officials had conducted combing operations or if they had been present overnight in the field, the second death will have not be reported. The higher-up should seek a report from the Forest Department staff for not taking up any action. Kodagu farmers are facing elephant and tiger menace and are hesitant to go to the field. The farming work is also getting delayed and workers demand for more wage. In view of all this, the Forest Department should take proper measures”.