Dibrugarh: As the hunt for a tiger that killed an Arunachal Pradesh Police constable enters its tenth day, forest officials have deployed an array of sophisticated drones and established treetop surveillance posts in a bid to locate the elusive big cat that has terrorised the Mayodia area in Lower Dibang Valley district.Head constable Chikseng Manpang, 33, was fatally attacked on Feb 2 while riding his motorcycle from Anini to Roing. His mutilated body was discovered the following day, sparking a search operation that has mobilised expert teams from three tiger reserves across the state.
Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary divisional forest officer (DFO) Mito Rumi confirmed on Wednesday that multiple categories of high-tech drones are now being used to track what authorities have designated as the “target problem tiger”. “We have a very capable team. Tracking of a tiger, which is a very shy animal, can go on for months, but we are targeting to locate it in days,” Rumi told reporters, expressing cautious optimism despite the challenges.The search operation has transformed into a multi-pronged effort involving specialist teams from Namdapha, Pakke and Kamlang tiger reserves. “The entire team has been given different tasks. Some are in tracking, some are there to ensure the safety of the adjoining area,” the DFO said.Forest officials have established temporary watchtowers in treetops, equipped observers with binoculars, and strategically placed iron cages baited to trap the tiger. Multiple darting teams stand ready with tranquilisers should the animal be spotted.Local panchayat functionaries have emerged as crucial allies in the operation. “We are getting minute-to-minute updates from panchayat functionaries. They are the eyes on the ground,” Rumi said.The investigation grew more complex when the carcass of an adult female tiger with gunshot wounds was discovered on Feb 5 near the attack site. Authorities have been unable to confirm whether this was the same animal responsible for Manpang’s death, raising concerns about possible retaliatory killings.Meanwhile, the DFO has firmly dismissed viral social media claims that the forest department deliberately introduced or released tigers in the Mayodia area.“I would like to say that this is totally false. In the whole world, India has one of the strictest rules, regulations, and protocols for tigers. Whether it is wild tigers or captive tigers found in zoos, a tiger cannot be moved from one place without lots of permissions and studies. State govt has to take permission from central govt and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). It’s impossible to move or relocate a tiger from one place to another,” he said.Tiger sightings continue to be reported in the area, keeping commuters on high alert. Authorities have maintained strict restrictions on night travel, particularly on two-wheelers, along the high-risk stretch near Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary.The search operation continues round the clock as authorities balance public safety concerns with wildlife conservation protocols.
