Tiger spotted on CCTV in Koppal, Forest Department plans capture

Forest officials in Koppal district are preparing to capture a tiger after CCTV footage confirmed its presence near Anegundi in Gangavathi taluka on Sunday night. An expert team from Bandipur Tiger Reserve is expected to join the operation, and zoo staff at Hampi have been directed to ready tranquilising equipment. Officials have imposed night-time restrictions on entering forest areas and are using loudspeaker announcements to urge villagers not to roam alone.

Newindianexpress.com reports that villagers had reported sightings for three months but forest officials initially ignored them. A wildlife expert called for monitoring the tiger rather than capturing it, noting the animal has not harmed anyone. Members of the Hampi villagers welfare association have submitted a memorandum demanding the tiger be kept at Hampi zoo and named after King Krishnadevaraya. Officials continue to monitor the animal's movement and are expected to intensify surveillance.