Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu — A male tiger aged between four and five years was fatally struck by a passenger train near Sengottai in Tenkasi district.
The incident took place at around 2:30 AM on the interstate railway line connecting Sengottai in Tamil Nadu with neighbouring Kerala, between the Bhagavathipuram and Aryankavu railway stations.
Details of the Incident
- Train Involved: The tiger was struck by the Palakkad–Thoothukudi Palaruvi Express while crossing the tracks.
- Discovery & Location: The carcass was spotted by locals near the Bhagavathipuram railway gate, about one kilometer outside the forest boundary, who immediately alerted the authorities.
- Investigation: Forest officials led by Tenkasi District Forest Officer, alongside Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel, inspected the site and launched a joint inquiry.
- Post-Mortem & Disposal: A veterinary post-mortem indicated that the tiger was in good health and had fed prior to the accident. The carcass was subsequently cremated inside the forest as per protocol.
Escalating Human-Wildlife Conflict & Next Steps
The railway line passes through the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats, a crucial landscape and movement corridor for species such as elephants, tigers, leopards, and bears.
To prevent further casualties, forest authorities have announced the deployment of additional camera traps along the track section and are working with railway officials to monitor nighttime animal movements.
