Search for man-eater tiger intensified in Banke

By Siraj Khan,Nepalgunj, Jan. 29: The search for a tiger that killed a woman in Banke has been intensified by installing cameras in community forests. 

Cheti Budha, 67, of Rapti Sonari Rural Municipality-8, was killed by a tiger in Bhagawati Community Forest on January 22, 2025, prompting the Sub-Division Forest Office to increase the search activity in the area.

The Sub-Division Forest Office, Rapti Sonari, Banke, has said that the locals are in fear as the tiger may attack them.

Manoj Sharma, Chief of the Sub-Division Forest Office, said that cameras have been installed in the Bhagawati Community Forest area following an increase in the presence of predators such as tigers and leopards. The installation of cameras aims to track the animal that killed Budha and alleviate the fear among locals.

Sharma also urged residents near the national park to remain cautious and vigilant about tigers. He added that the cameras will provide accurate information about the tiger’s whereabouts.

According to Tika Ram Oli, Chairperson of Bhagwati Community Forest, cameras have been installed in the forest where the attack occurred. He also said that awareness programmes to help locals avoid encounters with wild animals are also ongoing.

Locals said that while tigers had not been spotted in the forest previously, wild boars, deer and antelopes were commonly seen. However, the tiger had reportedly killed around 10 goats earlier.

The Bhagawati Community Forest is located near Banke National Park and its buffer zone. Banke National Park, the youngest national park in Nepal, was established by the government for tiger conservation.