A group of people under the aegis of the United Democratic Front Noolpuzha grama panchayat unit in Wayanad district blocked the Kozhikode-Kollegal National Highway-766 at Arupathinalu, near Moolankavu, on Friday evening in protest against the alleged apathy of the Forest department in setting up a cage to capture an elusive tiger that triggered panic among the residents at the Eralottu Kunnu and Eralottu Vayal areas under the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
The big cat reportedly attacked a cow and lifted a dog belonging to Thekkethil Rajesh at Eralottu Kunnu on Thursday night. The big cat had allegedly killed two domestic animals and more than 50 fowls of a poultry farm in the area in a week.
The forest personnel agreed to set up a cage to capture the animal at a meeting convened by the Noolpuzha grama panchayat three days ago. However, the alleged delay in setting it up led to the agitation. Later I.C. Balakrishnan, MLA, held a discussion with the leaders of the agitation and the Chief Wildlife Warden. Following the talks, it was decided to set up the cage later in the evening.
