Angul: After failed attempts to tranquilise tigress Sundari during the overnight operation yesterday, the 6-member team of experts has started its third phase of operation today at Satkosia Tiger Reserve (STR) in Angul district.
According to sources, Sundari, now branded a ‘man-eater,’ was reportedly spotted in the bushes under the hill near Baghamunda village today following which the team has gone near the hill to trace the movement of the big cat.
Another team has also been deployed around the hills, added sources.
Though a massive operation was undertaken by the tranquillising team, Sundari managed to give them a slip twice near Kumuri village yesterday.
Movement of Sundari near Kumuri village had triggered panic among the local residents close to Satkosia Tiger Reserve. Most of the villagers were seen guarding the area with fire torches throughout the night and keeping their doors and windows shut out of fear.
Earlier, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Sandeep Tripathy, had informed that once the tigress is tranquillised and captured, it will be shifted to the special protected enclosure at Raiguda.
Sundari has reportedly killed two persons and a bullock in Satkosia Tiger Reserve.