Search intensifies for cubs of tigress captured earlier for Sindewahi kills

Chandrapur: The forest department has intensified operation to capture four sub-adult cubs of the tigress that killed four women in Gunjewahi village under Sindewahi forest range of Chandrapur district. The tigress responsible for the attacks was captured on Sunday.Official said the decision to capture the cubs was taken as part of precautionary measures following the deadly attacks that triggered fear across the region.Chief conservator of forests RM Ramanujam reviewed the operation during his visit to Gunjewahi on Monday. He met the bereaved families and assured them of continued administrative support. Deputy conservator of forests Kumaraswamy, assistant conservator of forests Arvind and range forest officer Anjali Sayankar accompanied him during the visit. Ramanujam also inspected the field arrangements and monitored the progress of the search operation.Forest officials said nearly 80 frontline staff are combing the forest to trace the cubs. A Rapid Response Team led by veterinarian Dr Ravikant Khobragade and sharpshooter Ajay Marathe has been deployed for the operation. Three live-monitoring cameras and around 30 camera traps have been installed to track the movement of the cubs, while live bait and machans have been placed inside the forest to aid the exercise.Forest authorities have appealed to residents of nearby villages to remain vigilant and avoid venturing deep into forest areas until the cubs are safely captured.Officials said immediate financial assistance of Rs25,000 had been provided to each affected family. Out of the sanctioned compensation of Rs25 lakh for each family, cheques of Rs10 lakh were handed over by MLA Vijay Wadettiwar on Monday.