PANIC gripped Chhoti Beldi village, located on the fringes of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR), when a tiger strayed into the village and entered a residential house. The situation turned dramatic when the tiger walked through nearby fields, entered the house of a local resident and lay down on a bed to rest. The unexpected sight created fear across the village. Residents rushed out of their homes and climbed onto rooftops to protect themselves.

 

The Forest Department was immediately informed, following which a rescue operation was launched without delay. Forest officials successfully tranquilised the tiger and carried out a safe rescue. As a precautionary measure and keeping public safety in mind, the tiger has currently been kept in an enclosure. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Field Director Anupam Sahay said that the incident took place under the Panpatha buffer zone.

 

“A tiger entered the houseof Durga Prasad Dwivedi in Chhoti Beldi village. The tiger was rescued safely by the Forest Department team. Wildlife health officers and senior officials were present during the rescue, and all necessary safety protocols were followed to ensure the safety of both the tiger and local residents,” he said. As soon as information about the tiger’s movement was received, forest staff from the Panpatha range and Pataur area remained on constant alert and monitored the situation closely.

 

The rescue brought relief to villagers, who had been living in fear since Monday morning due to the tiger’s movement in the area. Earlier in the day, the tiger was spotted in agricultural fields before it suddenly entered the house and rested on a bed. Forest officials confirmed that the rescued tiger is a three-year-old male. After the rescue, it has been placed in an enclosure outside the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve under continuous supervision of senior forest officials and wildlife health experts.