A trap set by the forest department to capture a man-eating tiger in Karuvarakundu ended up catching a leopard instead, causing unrest among local residents.

The trap had been placed in the C1 division of Kerala Estate after Gafoor Ali, a rubber tapper, was killed by a tiger in Adakkakundu on April 15. Early Friday morning, villagers discovered a leopard ensnared in one of the traps, which had partially consumed the goat used as bait.

Forest officials rushed to the spot to handle the situation. However, tensions escalated when they attempted to transport the leopard, as a large crowd gathered, raised slogans, and blocked the vehicle. The villagers strongly opposed the idea of releasing the leopard back into the forest, fearing for their safety.

After about 30 minutes of protest and negotiation with senior officers, the crowd finally dispersed, allowing the team to continue their work.

Meanwhile, the tiger responsible for the earlier fatal attack remains on the loose, despite being sighted at multiple locations—Kerala Estate, Manjalpara, Sultana Estate, and Madari Estate. Efforts to trap the elusive big cat continue.

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