Deadly Tiger on the Loose

On May 15, 44‑year‑old Ghafoor Ali, a rubber‑tapper in the Kalikavu area of Malappuram district, Kerala, was attacked and killed by a tiger. Witnessed by his coworker Abdul Samad, the predator mauled him in a chilling ambush near Kallamoola in Chokkad panchayat 0.

Longest Rescue Operation in Recent Memory

The Kerala Forest Department launched an extensive 53‑day man‑eater hunt, deploying over 60 personnel across three Rapid Response Teams. The effort used camera traps, live‑stream cams, thermal drones, two kumki elephants named Kunju and Surendran, and veterinary teams 1.

Strategic Capture in Sultan Estate

After continuous tracking, forest officials set up multiple baited cages. A leopard was initially trapped in one such cage in mid‑June. Finally, on July 6, local workers discovered the targeted tiger ensnared in a cage at Sultan Estate, Karuvarakundu 2. Identified as a 13‑year‑old male from Silent Valley National Park, the tiger had sustained facial injuries from struggling inside the cage 3.

Local Uproar and Safety Concerns

Upon capture, hundreds of residents protested, fearing the animal would be released nearby. They demanded either its culling or relocation. Forest Minister A K Saseendran assured the public the tiger would remain in departmental custody while consultations were underway to determine its fate 4.

Next Steps for the Trapped Tiger

Officials are weighing its relocation to a wildlife sanctuary or zoo—likely Thrissur zoological park—due to its age and prior attack history 5. Experts will analyze behavior, health, and the risk of releasing it back to its natural habitat.

Quick Facts & Trivia

• The operation lasted 53 days—one of Kerala’s most prolonged man‑eater hunts.
• Thermal drones and kumki elephants played key roles in tracking efforts.
• The tiger was approximately 13 years old—beyond prime age, raising relocation concerns.
• Temporary feline attacks on rubber‑tappers are rare, underscoring shifting wildlife–human boundaries.

Source: Kerala Kaumudi Online