How Man-Eating Tiger Was Caught After Killing 2 Villagers in Lakhimpur Kheri

A tiger suspected of killing two villagers in consecutive attacks in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri district has been captured by the Forest Department, bringing relief to residents who had been living in fear for more than a week.

Forest officials said the tiger was trapped in a cage following an intensive surveillance and monitoring operation in the South Kheri forest area. The animal is believed to be responsible for the deaths of two villagers on June 15 and June 16, incidents that triggered panic across several villages near the forest. Tiger Attack in Uttar Pradesh: Big Cat Attacks Villagers in Lakhimpur Kheri, Beaten to Death (Watch Video).

Man-Eating Tiger Caught: 2 Fatal Attacks Sparked Fear Among Villagers

The first attack took place on June 15 when 60-year-old farmer Ramdin, a resident of Ramnagar Kalan village under the Bhira police station area, was on his way to his fields. According to officials, a tiger attacked him and he died at the scene.

A day later, on June 16, another fatal attack was reported. Kokila, 45, wife of Gendan Lal and a resident of Khalepurwa village, had gone to cut grass in a field on Sampurnanagar Road. Around 5:30 pm, she was attacked by a tiger and suffered serious injuries. Family members rushed her to the Community Health Center in Palia, where doctors declared her dead. Tiger Spotted in Lakhimpur Kheri: Big Cat Seen Taking Nap in Wheat Fields in Uttar Pradesh, Drone Video Goes Viral.

The two deaths within 48 hours heightened concerns among residents and led to demands for immediate action from the Forest Department.

How Man-Eating Tiger Was Caught

Following the attacks, forest officials increased surveillance across the affected region. Camera traps were installed at multiple locations to monitor the tiger's movement, while cages were placed in strategic areas. Forest teams also carried out regular patrols in and around villages bordering the forest. Villagers had alleged that the tiger had been frequently spotted near human settlements and called for stronger preventive measures.

The operation culminated in the successful capture of the tiger believed to be behind the attacks. Forest Department teams reached the location after receiving information that the animal had entered a cage set up as part of the operation.

Ranger Ankit Singh said the tiger suspected of attacking the woman had been captured in a Forest Department cage. According to officials, the animal will undergo a medical examination before further action is taken. "After a medical examination, it will be released into the wild under the direction of higher officials," Ranger Ankit Singh said.

News of the tiger's capture brought relief to residents of Ramnagar Kalan, Khalepurwa and nearby villages, where fear had gripped communities following the attacks.

However, villagers have urged the Forest Department to strengthen security measures and surveillance in areas adjacent to forests to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Officials said the tiger's health will be assessed and subsequent decisions regarding its relocation or release will be taken according to departmental guidelines and instructions from senior authorities.

The incident has once again highlighted the challenges of human-wildlife conflict in regions located close to forest habitats, where encounters between wild animals and local communities continue to pose risks for both people and wildlife.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 23, 2026 03:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).