Tigress ‘Jeenat’ from Odisha’s Similipal Sanctuary Roams Free in Chakulia

Forest Department Struggles to Capture Tigress for Sixth Consecutive Day

Key Points:

• Tigress Jeenat spotted in Rajabasa forest, causing panic among villagers
• Forest department yet to succeed in capturing the tigress
• Schools and Anganwadi centers see reduced attendance due to fear

CHAKULIA – A tigress named Jeenat, believed to have strayed from Odisha’s Similipal Sanctuary, has taken refuge in the Rajabasa Sal forest under Kaliam Panchayat in Chakulia. Despite continuous efforts, forest department teams have failed to capture the tigress for the sixth consecutive day on Saturday.

Fear and Disruption in Villages

The presence of the tigress has sparked widespread panic among villagers, who have stopped venturing into the forest and are keeping their livestock away from it. Residents of Rajabasa and nearby villages are living in fear, with daily life severely disrupted.

Local schools and Anganwadi centers are experiencing reduced attendance as parents hesitate to send their children due to safety concerns.

Forest Department’s Efforts

Forest department teams from Odisha and Chakulia are working tirelessly to capture the tigress. To lure Jeenat, two buffaloes have been tied inside the Rajabasa forest as bait. Officials aim to tranquilize the tigress using tranquilizer guns once she approaches the bait.

Loudspeakers have been deployed by the forest department to caution villagers to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary movement near the forest areas.

Ongoing Challenges

Despite extensive preparations, all attempts to capture the tigress have failed so far. The situation remains tense, and forest officials are monitoring the tigress’s movements day and night. Villagers continue to endure anxiety and disruption, hoping for a resolution soon.