Massive op on to nab killer leopard with ‘Tumakuru cage’

Shyam Sundar Vattam I NT

Mysuru: Over 120 personnel grouped in 13 teams, 13 metal cages and 16 cameras besides the special ‘Tumakuru cage’ have been deployed in T Narasipur taluk to nab leopards that have killed four persons in the last two to three months. A massive combing operation has been launched in the four village limits where four unfortunate incidents had taken place.

The Tumakuru cage is a specially designed cage that was used in Tumakuru district to capture leopards. It is designed like a cowshed and the leopard is prone to get trapped while searching for prey.  As many as 120 personnel from Bandipur and Nagarhole Parks have arrived to be part of the combing operation which is currently going on in Sosale Hobli.

The cages and camera traps have been installed at different places to capture the movement of leopards. Thermal drones are being used to conduct the operation in the night. According to a senior officer, staff from the Elephant Task Force are also being used in the current operation. Deputy Commissioner Dr K.V.

Rajendra has given 15 days time to farmers to harvest the sugarcane crop as it serves as a hiding place for leopards during the day time. Besides, around 30 acres of land is totally barren near the place where the boy was killed on Sunday last, and the entire area has now been cleared.

Meanwhile, APCCF (Kumar Pushkar) also visited the spot and gave necessary instructions to local officials. In a related development, a leopardess fell into a cage near Chidarahalli of T.Narasipur taluk on Monday when it was trying to see its new-born cubs. But this is not the leopard that had killed four persons.