Chamarajanagar: In a rare and dramatic incident, villagers of Bommalapura in Gundlupet taluk locked forest staff inside a tiger trap cage after they failed to capture a tiger that had been troubling the region.
Villagers’ frustration over tiger menace
For the past several weeks, residents of Bommalapura and other forest-fringe villages near Bandipur National Park have complained of a tiger causing panic in the area. The villagers had repeatedly urged Bandipur forest officials to capture the big cat to ensure their safety.
Responding to these concerns, the forest department of Bandipur National Park and Tiger Reserve installed a special cage in Bommalapura to trap the tiger. However, despite these efforts, the animal did not enter the cage, leading to mounting frustration among locals.
Forest staff locked inside the cage
In a sudden turn of events, villagers allegedly took matters into their own hands. Upset with the failure of the forest department, they forced the visiting forest personnel into the very cage meant for the tiger and locked them inside.
Reports suggest that the trapped forest staff were distressed and pleaded with villagers to release them. Their unusual confinement created tension in the area, drawing attention from neighbouring villagers as well.
Authorities react to the incident
Senior forest officials were informed of the situation and rushed to the spot to negotiate with the villagers. Sources indicate that the staff members were later released, though the incident has sparked discussions about the strained relationship between forest-dependent communities and conservation authorities.
Larger conflict at play
Incidents like these highlight the ongoing human–wildlife conflict in forest-fringe regions of Karnataka. Villagers living close to tiger reserves often face livestock losses and fear for their safety, while forest officials struggle to balance conservation with public security.
Conclusion
The Bommalapura episode serves as a striking example of the frustrations faced by rural communities when they feel ignored in the face of recurring wildlife threats. It also underscores the need for better communication and swift action between villagers and forest authorities to prevent such confrontations in the future.