Wayanad: Jayasurya NV, a 29-year-old Beat Officer with the Kerala Forest Department, narrowly escaped a fatal encounter with the man-eater tiger during the operation to capture the animal in the Pancharakolli forest. A native of Thalappuzha, Jayasurya is recovering from injuries sustained in the attack and remains steadfast in his dedication to forest conservation.  

Speaking to Onmanorama, Jayasurya recalled the incident. “Around 11.30 am on Sunday, our team, led by Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Arun Zachariah and Dr Ajesh Mohandas, began the mission to tranquillize the tiger. We were a 10-member team patrolling the Pancharakolli forest. I was at the rear end of the group when we heard the crunch of dry leaves. Before I could fully turn around, the tiger leapt towards me and scratched my right hand. It all happened in a fraction of a second,” Jayasurya recounted.  

Despite the initial shock, he managed to protect himself using his shield. “Though I was injured, the shield prevented serious harm. After the attack, the tiger fled into the forest within seconds. The team administered first aid, and we promptly ended the operation for the day,” he added.  

The man-eater, which had terrorised residents of Pancharakolli and claimed the life of Radha, a tribal woman on January 24, was found dead outside the forest on Monday morning. The tiger's death has brought much-needed relief to the local community.  

Jayasurya’s connection with the forest dates back to his childhood, when he accompanied his father, a Forest Watcher, on his patrols in the Thalappuzha forest range. This early exposure nurtured his love for wildlife.  

An electrical engineering graduate from the Kerala Academy of Engineering, Jayasurya worked as a watcher in the Thalappuzha forest for three years before securing a position as a Beat Officer in the Kerala Forest Department. Following a year-and-a-half of training at the Thrissur Police Academy, he was initially appointed to the Vellamunda forest range and later transferred to the Mananthavady forest range.  

“This was my first close encounter with a tiger,” Jayasurya admitted. “I’ve dealt with elephants and wild gaurs during patrols, but they can often be deterred using firecrackers. Tigers and leopards, however, are different. They are stealthy predators, stalking their prey silently and attacking from behind.”  

Jayasurya is currently undergoing treatment for his injuries and is expected to remain in hospital for another two to three days. However, the attack has not shaken his spirit. “I have no worries. My love for the forest and wildlife remains the same. I will return to duty soon,” he said confidently.

The operation to capture the tiger was part of an effort to end the panic in Pancharakolli after the predator claimed Radha’s life. The tiger attacked Radha while she was walking a forest path. The tiger ambushed her, dragged her into the woods, and partially devoured her, leaving the region in a state of fear.  

Now, with the tiger’s death, the villagers of Pancharakolli can finally breathe a sigh of relief after weeks of terror.