'Operation Bhaluka': Forest officials tranquilize sloth bear which killed 1, injured 6 at Kidisingi

Srikakulam: Forest officials have finally managed to tranquilize the bear which killed a man and injured six others near a cashew plantation at Kidisingi village in Srikakulam district on Monday.

The bear is also suspected to be suffered internal injuries. The sloth bear will be taken to Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Vizag for treatment and health checkup.

On Tuesday morning, the bear was spotted near the shed of a ration dealer in Kidisingi village. Forest officials pressed drones into service to observe its movement. Later it was tranquilized.

Operation Bhaluka:

Earlier, the forest department had launched Operation Bhaluka to capture the animal. Under 'Operation Bhaluka', a net was tied in the surroundings of the residence so that the bear cannot escape. Specialized teams were pressed into service to tranquilize the bear. Later, the animal would be caged and administered an antidote.

Chief Conservator of Forests Ram Mohan said the sloth bear is a mother and has two cubs. "The cubs might have got lost and in a way to search for the bears, it has become aggressive," he said.

Forest officials said around 8-10 sloth bears roam in the village but never saw anyone with such aggressive behavior.

Plan B:

Forest officials had also chalked out plan B if the tranquilization operation would have failed. Under plan B, they would light up the fire and shout loudly. The bear would run away due to fear.

About sloth bear:

There are around 10 bears that feed on cashews and insects. Officials said the sloth bear became aggressive after she lost her cubs.