Tiger threat! Hailakandi Forest department issues warning in Katakhal; "Isn't a tiger for sure" experts

Tiger threat! Every second day, there is someone complaining about a tiger attack somewhere in Barak Valley. Now, the spotlight is on Katakhal. Last night, the forest department did hours of loudspeaker campaign urging people to stay in the confinement of their respective homes.

The warning message that the public announcer communicated, translates to, “This is to inform you all that a tiger has been spotted inside the compound of Kalinagar, Shri Shri Gopal Gobindo Akhra at around 4:30 pm on Thursday. Locals have seen the tiger roaming around inside the compound.”

The warning adds, “Therefore, the Hailakandi Forest Department urges you all to remain in the confinement of your respective homes. This warning message is from Akhil Dutta, official, Hailakandi Forest Department and Kathakal Beat Officer, Subinoy Deb.”

Some images of the animal have surfaced on social media and the blurry visuals were enough for Ecology experts to rule out the possibility of it being a tiger. “Clearer images will help us in identifying the animal but it isn’t a tiger for sure,” reacted an expert.

A retired forest officer said that there is a possibility of it being a Jungle Cat also known as Reed Cat or Swamp Cat that is common in this region. It could also be a leopard cat, stated the retired officer. Another common animal spotted in this region is the Civet Cat. It is worth mentioning here that last December, a Leopard Cat was found dead in the middle of the road in Katigorah. Many suspected that it might have come under a vehicle and succumbed.

There is still a lack of clarity in terms of the identification of the animal, hopefully, the Forest Officials will spot it in daylight and better images will surface for accurate identification.