Rescue Efforts Fail to Capture Tigress ‘Jinnat’ in Chakulia

Odisha Tigress Wanders into Jharkhand Forest, Rescue Ongoing

Key Points:

• Tigress Jannat evades capture for five consecutive days
• Forest department struggles despite bait and tracking efforts
• Alert issued in villages; local movement restricted for safety

CHAKULIA – Rescue teams remain unsuccessful in capturing Jannat, a tigress that wandered from Odisha’s Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary into Jharkhand’s Chakulia forest five days ago. Despite several efforts, the forest department continues to face challenges.

A Complex Rescue Operation

On Thursday, the forest department’s rescue team failed to trap the tigress once again. Since Wednesday morning, forest officials have surrounded the Chakulia forest and set up bait traps by tying three buffaloes to lure the tigress into the open. However, by Thursday, Jannat did not approach the bait, creating a challenging and unexpected situation for officials.

Officials confirmed Jannat’s location using satellite devices and are closely monitoring her movements. Yet, there is no clear evidence of the tigress hunting prey in the area. The three-year-old tigress has perplexed rescue teams from both Odisha and Jharkhand, involving around 80 forest workers and support staff engaged in tracking her.

Safety Alert Issued for Villages

Due to the ongoing presence of the tigress, Section 163 has been imposed in four nearby villages, restricting the movement of local residents. Despite strict warnings, some villagers continue to disregard safety protocols, further complicating the rescue team’s operations.

Future Strategies to Capture the Tigress

Forest officials are now contemplating changes in their strategy to trap Jannat within Chakulia’s forests. They are wary of the tigress moving further north into the Bengal border, where the hilly terrain would make rescue efforts even more challenging. Officials believe altering their approach could prevent her escape and ensure her safe capture.

Final Efforts Underway

By Friday night, the rescue team plans to make a final concerted effort. Buffaloes will once again be tied in the forest while team members hide and await the tigress’s movement. Forest authorities remain hopeful that Jannat will finally approach the bait, allowing the team to sedate and capture her safely.