According to forest department officials, farmers first alerted the authorities after spotting large pugmarks in agricultural fields in Begumpet. A subsequent inspection confirmed that the tracks were consistent with those of a tiger. Hours later, an attack on livestock near an irrigation well in Ibrahimpur further strengthened the suspicion. The carcass of one calf was recovered and sent for a post-mortem examination, where veterinary officials concluded, based on bite marks and drag patterns, that the kill had been made by a tiger.District forest officer (DFO) Sudhakar Reddy told TOI that the pugmarks found at multiple locations matched, indicating that the same animal was responsible for both the movement and the livestock attack. He said farmers and shepherds had been advised not to move alone during the evening and night hours and to remain in groups while working in the fields. “I suspect this is the same big cat that was seen on a trap camera in Siddipet recently,” the DFO added.The DFO also cautioned villagers against installing or tightening live electric fencing around farmlands, noting that such practices could seriously injure the animal and invite criminal action. “The tiger is likely to move away from the area within a few days. Any attempt to harm it will be treated as a serious offence,” he said.To monitor the situation, the forest department has installed ten additional trap cameras and deployed special tracking teams. Continuous patrolling has been arranged under the supervision of deputy range officer Jahed Hussain, forest section officers Shalini and Shekhar Reddy, along with eight beat officers.Forest officials said surveillance had been intensified and safety advisories issued to residents of surrounding villages, urging them to secure livestock and avoid unnecessary movement at night until the animal’s presence is conclusively ruled out or it moves out of the region.
