A tiger that moved from forest areas into human settlements has created panic near Rajamahendravaram in East Godavari district. Forest officials confirmed cattle deaths and issued urgent safety alerts. As a result, authorities restricted movement and closed schools as a precaution.
Tiger Spotted Across Multiple Villages
Forest Range Officer Davide Raju confirmed the tiger’s presence in Torredu village of Rajamahendravaram Rural mandal. On Saturday evening, villagers spotted the animal near Chinnakondepudi and Pedakondepudi in Seethanagaram mandal. Initially, officials expected it to move toward the forest near Purushottapatnam.
However, the tiger changed its route and returned toward Torredu. During this movement, it killed one cow and two calves. Later, it dragged the carcasses into a nearby maize field, raising serious concern among villagers.
Authorities Restrict Movement in Affected Areas
Following the incident, forest officials asked residents to stay indoors. Meanwhile, officer Prabhakar said teams blocked access to farmlands to prevent further risk. At the same time, tracking teams monitored the tiger’s movement closely.
On January 31, officials again spotted the tiger near a banana plantation close to Torredu High School. Consequently, alert levels were raised across nearby villages.
Public Representatives Inspect Site
Soon after, local leaders and officials visited the area to assess the situation. Rajanagaram MLA Bathula Balarama Krishna and Rajamahendravaram Rural MLA Gorantla Butchaiah Chowdary took part in the inspection. TDP district president and RUDA chairman Boddu Venkata Ramana Chowdary also joined forest officials.
During the inspection, the tiger reportedly passed behind forest officer Prabhakar while he was briefing the team. Later, officials revealed that the animal likely entered Andhra Pradesh from the Kannapuram forest region in Telangana about ten days ago.
Joint Safety Advisory Issued to Villagers
Meanwhile, the forest, revenue, and police departments coordinated to issue safety guidelines. Authorities advised parents to keep children indoors at all times. In addition, officials asked villagers to install lights near cattle sheds during night hours.
Furthermore, residents were warned against moving alone. Instead, officials advised people to move only in small groups if necessary. Since the tiger may return to the forest using the same route, officials urged strict compliance with warnings.
Schools Closed as a Preventive Measure
As a preventive step, District Education Officer Vasudeva Rao announced a compensatory holiday for all government and private schools. The closure applies to Seethanagaram, Korukonda, and Rajamahendravaram Rural mandals. The decision aims to protect students from potential danger.
Notably, more than 100 government and private schools operate in these areas. Therefore, officials directed all institutions to follow the holiday order without exception.
Administration Seeks Public Cooperation
In-charge District Collector Y. Megha Swaroop instructed the education department to take all safety measures seriously. At the same time, officials appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid panic.
Forest teams continue to track the tiger’s movement. Until the animal safely returns to the forest, authorities urged residents to strictly follow instructions and cooperate with officials.
