Gajapati, Mar 18: Fear has gripped three villages under the Mohana-Chandragiri forest range in Odisha’s Gajapati district over the past five days amid reports of a suspected tiger in the area.

The panic escalated after an alleged attack on livestock, leaving villagers awake at night and on high alert. One bull was reportedly killed and partially consumed, while two other cattle were injured. Authorities are yet to confirm whether a tiger or another wild animal was responsible.

Forest Department officials visited the affected villages-Kaitima, Bariadara, and Dengama-and carried out on-ground assessments. Trap cameras have been installed to monitor animal movement and identify the predator.

Officials have advised villagers to stay indoors at night and avoid venturing into forested areas during early morning hours, citing safety concerns. The forest’s proximity to the Lakhari Wildlife Sanctuary has raised suspicions of a tiger straying into human settlements.