Baripada, Oct 30: Panic has gripped residents of two panchayats after a tiger was reportedly seen roaming near villages in the Thakurmunda forest range under the Karanjia Forest Division.

According to sources, villagers from Kaliajiaani, located in a protected forest area under the Thakurmunda range, spotted the tiger moving through the nearby jungle. Following the sighting, fear spread across several villages under Hatigoda and Saleibeda panchayats.

After confirming the presence of the tiger, the Forest Department launched an awareness drive in the affected areas. Officials used loudspeakers to alert villagers, urging them to stay away from the forest and to keep their domestic animals confined to prevent any untoward incidents.

Forest personnel are closely monitoring the tiger’s movement to ensure the safety of both villagers and wildlife.