A tense situation has emerged in East Godavari district as a tiger that has been roaming the region for four days moved close to a national highway on Tuesday night. Forest officials captured the animal on camera for the first time, confirming its presence near human settlements. Until now, officials tracked the tiger only through paw marks, which raised fear but offered no visual confirmation.
Tiger Spotted After Days of Tracking
Forest officials first noticed tiger footprints four days ago in banana plantations at Thorreddu village. Since then, the animal has moved across Rajanagaram, Seethanagaram, and Rajahmundry Rural areas. Despite continuous monitoring, the tiger’s movement pattern has remained unpredictable, keeping both officials and residents on edge.
Cattle Killings Confirm Tiger Presence
Officials verified that the tiger has been active in the region since January 31. On the same day, it killed two cows and a calf, strengthening concerns about its proximity to villages. Recently, forest teams confirmed fresh movement in agricultural fields at Kondepudi in Seethanagaram mandal. Later, the tiger entered a cashew plantation near Auto Nagar and Palacharla areas close to Diwan Cheruvu.
Highway Proximity Raises Alarm
The latest sighting caused panic as the plantation lies right beside the Visakhapatnam–Vijayawada National Highway. The tiger has now moved into a coconut grove near the highway. From there, it could head towards Pushkaravanam, Palacharla, the Housing Board Colony, or the Diwan Cheruvu sanctuary. Officials admit that predicting its next move remains difficult.
Officials Explain Possible Migration Route
Forest authorities believe the tiger may have strayed while searching for a new habitat or a mate. The region lies between major tiger landscapes, including Kawal in Telangana, Similipal in Odisha, Tadoba in Maharashtra, and reserve forests in Chhattisgarh. The Papikonda National Park, located between these zones, likely serves as a natural corridor for such movement.
Forest Department Steps Up Surveillance
Meanwhile, Minister Kandula Durgesh urged residents not to panic. He confirmed that forest teams have intensified ground-level operations to track and secure the animal. Officials have deployed cages, traps, drone cameras, and surveillance teams across sensitive locations to prevent any harm to the public or the tiger.
Authorities have advised people in nearby villages to remain alert and avoid moving alone at night until the situation stabilises.
YK TV ఎక్స్క్లూజివ్ విజువల్స్..
రాజమహేంద్రవరం శివారు దివాన్ చెరువు వద్ద పెద్దపులి హడల్. జాతీయ రహదారిపై సంచారం, స్థానికుల్లో భయం. pic.twitter.com/Imu6lsD1FU
— YK Tv Digital (@yktvdigital) February 3, 2026
For the latest updates, click here.
