Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
Discussions are rife in the Fardapur area (near Ajanta T-Point) about the sighting of a ‘tiger on the loose,’ creating fear among local farmers. Reports of the animal first emerged on Thursday evening, prompting citizens to urge the Department of Forest (DoF) for immediate action.
Farmer Bhagwat Sable, along with his young child, was collecting milk in the fields on Thursday evening when they reportedly saw the striped animal crossing the Fardapur–Soyegaon main road around 5.30 pm. Startled, they stopped their motorcycle, and at the same time, a four-wheeler also halted nearby. Believing the animal to be a tiger, both Sable and his child were frightened and quickly returned to their settlement to inform other farmers. Upon inspection, the animal was later seen moving into a nearby maize field.
This is not the first such incident in the area. On June 16, 2022, a tiger reportedly entered a well, and after farmers alerted the DoF, officials used firecrackers to drive it back into the forest. Farmers have expressed concern about their safety while working in fields at night and are demanding that any such animal be captured and relocated safely.
Forest clarifies
Range Forest Officer Santosh Dodwe clarified, “ There is no confirmed record of a tiger in the Fardapur area. The animal sighted is likely a jackal or leopard. In low light or from a distance, it is easy to mistake such animals for a tiger. The department of forest is keeping a close watch on the area and has urged citizens to remain vigilant, avoid rumours, and report any suspicious sightings.