Mysore/Mysuru: Following information from the public about the sighting of two tigers near Yelwal on the outskirts of Mysuru on Friday evening, Forest Department officials have launched an extensive combing operation in the area. The sightings have triggered fear among residents of nearby villages.

Officials from the Hunsur Forest Division began the operation late last evening, deploying four tamed elephants. The sighting comes barely two months after a tiger was spotted on Aloka Road near Yelwal, which had similarly caused panic among locals.

At that time, the Forest Department had conducted a combing operation and simultaneously created awareness among villagers regarding tiger movement in the region.

The ongoing combing operation will also cover Chikkadanahalli, Ratnahalli and Kamanakoppalu in Hunsur taluk, as tigers, reportedly accompanied by cubs, are believed to be moving across these areas.

Four elephants — Sugreeva, Prashantha, Ajeya and Eshwara — along with 50 personnel, have been deployed to track and possibly capture the big cats.