Wayanad, Kerala: A 48-hour curfew has been imposed in parts of Mananthavady Municipality in Kerala’s Wayanad district after a fatal tiger attack that claimed the life of a 47-year-old woman. The tiger responsible for the attack has been declared a “man-eater,” and authorities are taking steps to eliminate the threat it poses to public safety.
The curfew, which started at 6 a.m. on January 27, will remain in effect for the next 48 hours. It covers key areas, including Division 1 (Pancharakoli), Division 2 (Pilkav), and Division 36 (Chirakkara), and all schools, anganwadis, madrasas, and tuition centers in these areas will remain closed. Students in these affected regions have been excused from attending classes on January 27 and 28. Those participating in PSC exams or other academic tests have been advised to reach out to their ward councillors for alternate arrangements.
The tragic incident occurred on the morning of January 26, when the victim, identified as Radha, was attacked by the tiger while she was plucking coffee in the Priyadarshini Estate, located in the Mananthavady village. Minister for Forests, AK Saseendran, confirmed that the tiger had also attacked Jayasurya, a beat forest officer and member of the Rapid Response Team (RRT), while he was on patrol just days later.
In a high-level meeting convened at the Collector’s office, the tiger was officially declared a man-eater, marking a rare move in the state. This decision comes after a series of attacks and increasing concern over human-wildlife conflict in the region. Minister Saseendran noted that this is the first time a tiger has been declared a man-eater in Kerala.
Authorities have now stepped up efforts to capture or eliminate the animal, with plans already underway to address the situation. Surveillance in the affected areas is being increased, and 100 new cameras are set to be installed in Wayanad by March 31. Additionally, 400 AI-powered cameras will be deployed across the state as part of a larger wildlife management initiative.
In response to the growing public concern, Minister Saseendran also visited Radha’s home, where he faced protests from locals. Residents expressed anger over his comments that Radha was killed inside the forest. The minister assured the public that the government is committed to taking all necessary measures and called for cooperation in tackling the crisis.
Another meeting on the issue is scheduled for January 29 to assess the situation and coordinate further actions.
The curfew and increased security measures aim to protect residents while authorities continue their efforts to address the tiger threat and ensure the safety of the community.
