Forest Department personnel patrol a habitation as part of leopard monitoring operations at Hasanur in Erode district
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Fear has gripped residents of forest-fringe habitations near Hasanur in Erode district as the animal suspected of killing a man on the night of October 3, 2026, remains elusive despite efforts by the Forest Department to capture it. The killing of two cows and a calf in separate incidents on the night of October 10 has heightened concerns over the movement of carnivores near residential areas.
The partially consumed body of V. Periyasamy of Bungalow Thotti was found along a stream near the forest fringes under the Hasanur Range of the Hasanur Forest Division of the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) on October 4. Residents suspect a leopard was responsible, citing a series of cattle kills in nearby villages in the last six months.
The department has installed camera traps at 10 locations and deployed 50 staff for night patrols. Residents of forest-fringe villages have also been advised not to venture out after sunset.
Attacks on cattle
On the night of October 10, two cows and a calf were killed in separate incidents in Old Hasanur, Ongalwadi, and Bungalow Thotti, with one animal killed in each location. Residents suspect that multiple carnivores could have been involved in the attacks.
Following the latest incidents, residents from the three habitations, along with those from Centre Thotti, questioned Hasanur Forest Ranger N. Anandkumar about the department’s efforts to capture the animal or animals involved. They demanded that a cage be installed, citing the suspected attack on Periyasamy and the subsequent cattle kills. Residents also pointed to thick bushes near residential areas that they feared could serve as hiding places for the animals. Mr. Anandkumar explained the measures being taken to track the animals and assured the residents that a cage would be installed soon.
Published – October 12, 2026 01:03 pm IST
