Tiger attacks in Karnataka: Combing operations stepped up in H.D. Kote-Sargur region

Forest authorities have intensified combing operations in Sargur taluk of Mysuru district following a spate of tiger attacks that has triggered panic among villagers along the forest fringes. Three farmers have lost their lives in separate incidents over the last few weeks, while another victim, who survived an attack, has lost his vision and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Mysuru.

The latest fatal incident occurred on Friday when a farmer from Hale Heggudilu who had gone to his field early in the morning was mauled by a tiger.

Following directions issued by Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre, combing operations have been stepped up across forest-bordering farmlands and villages in H.D. Kote and Sargur region.

Additional precautionary measures have been taken in villages where frequent tiger sightings have been reported. Search and rescue teams are on continuous standby.

A special night-patrol team has been deployed for daily surveillance. A Deputy Range Forest Officer, a forest guard, and two watchers, equipped with a Rapid Response Team (RRT) vehicle will be patrolling the villages. The unit has been tasked with patrolling vulnerable zones and issuing safety alerts through public address systems whenever tiger movement is detected.

Meanwhile, public awareness notices have been distributed in villages, schools, bus stands, and other public places advising villagers to remain alert and avoid venturing alone, particularly during early morning and night hours. Leaflets explaining dos and don’ts to prevent tiger encounters are also being circulated. Forest officials have appealed to villagers to immediately report any tiger sighting.

Amid rising tiger attacks in Mysuru region leading to the deaths of farmers, the Forest Minister on Friday ordered the closure of the Nagarahole and Bandipur safari operations, along with the suspension of trekking activities in human–wildlife conflict zones. The Minister has also directed that all available forest personnel be deployed for the operation to capture the elusive tiger.

Mr. Khandre has instructed the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Project Tiger directors to camp on-site and personally supervise efforts to capture the tiger responsible for the repeated attacks.