Balangir, Jan 26: A panther has wreaked panic around the Harishankar area in the Balangir district for the last few months.

After sighting the tiger under the Gandhamardan hill frequently, the locals have informed forest officials in this connection.

Sources said a big panther has been roaming near the Harishankar village under the Khaprakhol block limit. It is barging into the nearby village forests from the Gandhamardan hill at night.

Following this, the Harishankar Range officials have been vigilant to track the movement of the tigers in the Gandhamardan and its nearby reserve forests.

“We are aware of the abundance of tigers in Harishankar forests. The department is taking appropriate measures to evade unforeseen situations by the big cats”, said Harishankar Range Officer Pravati Seth.