Wayanad, 20 Dec (H.S.):A man was killed in a suspected tiger attack near Pulppally in Wayanad on Saturday morning, triggering panic among local residents living close to the forest fringes.

The victim has been identified as Kumaran (40), a native of Devergada, located atop the Kooman region.

According to initial reports, the tiger is believed to have pounced on him near the riverbank, dragged him into the forest, and fatally mauled him.

The incident occurred while the man was collecting firewood near the river along with his sister.

As the tiger attacked, the sister alerted forest officials and locals, who immediately launched a search operation.

Following an extensive combing effort, the victim’s body was recovered nearly two kilometres inside the forest.

The area falls under the Kurichiyad range of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.

He is believed to have died instantly after sustaining severe injuries to the shoulder, according to preliminary assessments.

Forest officials have intensified monitoring in the region, as fear and tension prevail in villages bordering the sanctuary.

Further investigations and tracking operations are underway to confirm the presence of the tiger and prevent additional attacks.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman