Gundlupet: Following the sighting of a tiger last evening and the presence of pug marks at Chowdalli village in Gundlupet taluk this morning, the Forest Department personnel have commenced combing operation to trap the tiger today.

It is learnt that a few villagers saw the tiger near the village last evening. They said that the tiger is being sighted frequently at Hangala, Kebbepura, Kalligowdanahalli, Chowdalli and surrounding villages since about five months which has caused tension among villagers as they have to stay in the agricultural fields during night to prevent wild boars and other wild animals from destroying the crops.

The villagers alleged that when the Forest officials are informed, they just come and go without taking any measures.

However, after seeing the pug marks at the village this morning, the Forest Department personnel are undertaking a combing operation to trace the tiger.

Bandipur Project Tiger Director T. Balachandra, ACF Ravikumar, Hediyala Range ACF Parmesh, RFO Mahadevu and others were present.