Wed May 21 16:35:02 UTC 2025: **Malappuram Tiger Hunt Intensifies After Sighting Near Kalikavu**

**MALAPPURAM, May 21, 2025 (The Hindu) –** The search for the tiger responsible for the death of a rubber tapper last week has intensified near Kalikavu in the Malappuram district of Kerala. Forest officials reported sighting the animal on Wednesday, May 21st, and confirmed its presence via camera traps.

The tiger is being hunted following the death of 44-year-old Gafoor Ali on Thursday morning. Ali was attacked while working at a rubber plantation in Adakkakundu, near Kalikavu. According to reports, the tiger attacked Ali from behind as he was preparing to tap rubber for the day on a plantation leased from Nasar. His co-worker, Samad, managed to escape and alerted authorities. A joint search team comprised of forest and police officers located Ali’s body, bearing severe wounds on his back, approximately 200 metres behind the plantation.

A team of forest personnel led by chief veterinary surgeon Arun Zachariah approached within darting range but were unable to tranquilize the animal due to its location. Efforts to capture the tiger alive through tranquilization are continuing. The incident has heightened concerns among local residents, and authorities are urging caution in areas surrounding Kalikavu.

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