Forest Department officials conduct patrols in O’Valley as they step up efforts to identify the animal responsible for the attack on a resident on Saturday
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The Forest Department is increasing surveillance in the area surrounding the site of a carnivore attack in O’Valley, Gudalur, which left one person dead on Saturday (August 8, 2026).
The action follows the death of 58-year-old M. Balakrishnan, who was killed and partially eaten, most likely by a tiger, on Saturday evening. His remains were found the following day. Following the incident, the Forest Department said that eight camera traps had been placed around the site of the attack to identify the animal. Divisional Forest Officer (Gudalur) P. Devaraj said that the number of camera traps would be increased to 15 over the coming days as efforts intensify to identify the animal responsible.
“We had also used drone cameras to try and see if we could spot the animal, but have been unable to do so,” said Mr. Devaraj. He also said that there had been no reports of cattle being killed in the area, while there were reports from some surrounding regions of smaller livestock, such as goats, being preyed on, most likely by leopards.
The location where the incident occurred also suggests that the encounter was accidental, officials said, with Balakrishnan having travelled more than a kilometre from his house towards a stream to draw water for his field. Forest Department staff suspect that the animal may have mistaken the victim for prey while he was crouching and working. They also said that wildlife movement in the area was common, as the area is heavily forested.
The DFO said that any decision on whether the animal needs to be trapped and relocated would be taken only after it is identified and Forest Department officials ascertain whether it is an older animal or has been hampered by injuries that have rendered it unable to hunt other wildlife.
The Forest Department has also increased patrols in the area, with local residents being urged to stay indoors after dusk to minimise chances of negative interactions with wildlife.
Published – August 10, 2026 04:32 pm IST
