Daijiworld Media Network - Patna

Patna, Dec 30: Panic gripped villagers in West Champaran’s Bettiah area on Tuesday after a tiger killed a nilgai (blue bull) in a sugarcane field at Bhangaha village, raising fears of the big cat’s presence close to human habitation.

The incident occurred in the Sarai area of the village, located near the Valmikinagar Tiger Reserve (VTR). Early in the day, residents heading to their fields discovered the mutilated carcass of the nilgai lying amid the sugarcane crop. Clear paw marks around the body confirmed that the animal had been attacked by a tiger.

As word of the incident spread, large numbers of villagers gathered at the site, heightening anxiety across the surrounding areas. The forest department was immediately alerted, following which a team of forest officials rushed to the spot and secured the area to prevent any further risk to residents.

Forest personnel have since begun tracking the tiger’s footprints to determine its movement and current location. Sunil Pathak, Ranger of the Manguraha forest range, said the department received credible information from locals regarding the tiger’s presence. He added that continuous monitoring is underway and efforts are being made to safely steer the animal back into the forest.

As a safety precaution, the forest department has advised villagers not to venture into fields alone, to closely monitor children and livestock, and to report any sighting or unusual movement of the tiger without delay. Joint patrolling by forest officials and the local administration has also been stepped up in the area.

Despite these measures, fear remains palpable among villagers, many of whom worry that the tiger could wander closer to homes. The district administration has assured residents that the situation is under constant surveillance and that all necessary steps are being taken to avoid any harm to people or property.