Wayanad, 17 Dec (H.S.):Forest officials in Wayanad have decided to tranquillise a tiger that has been roaming in human habitations in the Padiyamvayal–Pachilakkad area near Panamaram, after attempts to drive the animal back into the forest failed.

The tiger was last sighted on Tuesday night after it strayed into a paddy field and disappeared into a nearby coffee plantation. Forest Department officials said thermal drones would be deployed to accurately locate the animal before initiating the tranquillisation procedure, which will be carried out strictly in accordance with established protocols.

South Wayanad Divisional Forest Officer Ajith K. Raman confirmed that the decision to tranquillise the tiger was taken after sustained efforts to chase it back into the forest proved unsuccessful. He said all safety measures were being followed to ensure there was no harm to the animal or the public.

The Forest Department has identified the tiger as WL 112, a five-year-old male. Officials said the animal has been spotted in and around the village over the past two days, but there have been no reports of attacks on humans or the lifting of domestic animals. Based on these observations, forest authorities believe the tiger may have ventured out of the forest in search of a mate, as the mating season is beginning. They also confirmed that the animal is not injured.

In view of the situation, a high alert has been sounded in the Panamaram region. The district administration has imposed prohibitory orders in the affected areas to restrict public movement and ensure safety during the ongoing search and capture operation.

As a precautionary measure, a holiday has been declared for all educational institutions in wards 6, 7, 8, 9 and 14 of the Panamaram grama panchayat, including Neervaram, Ammani, Nadavayal, Pariyaram and Chundakkunnu.

The Forest Department’s Rapid Response Team has been patrolling the region since Monday. Officials traced the tiger’s movement to a marshy paddy field at Cheekkalloor by Tuesday noon. Later that night, it was sighted moving through human habitations at Mechierikunnu and Eranallloor near Pachilakkad.

Videos showing the tiger running across a paddy field have circulated widely on social media, heightening public concern. Search operations have been underway since Monday, when reports of the animal’s movement first emerged, triggering panic among residents. Authorities have urged people to remain indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and cooperate fully with forest officials until the operation is completed.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman