Wayanad: Prohibitory orders were enforced in four divisions of Mananthavady municipality until Monday, January 27, as efforts to capture a man-eater tiger intensified in the Pancharakolly village area.

Mananthavady Sub-Collector and Sub-Divisional Magistrate Misal Sagar Bharat issued the order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The restrictions, prohibiting all public gatherings, apply to divisions 1 (Pancharakolly), 2 (Pilakkavu), 3 (Jessy), and 36 (Chirakara).

The decision comes in the wake of the tragic death of Radha (48), a tribal woman from Meenmutti, who was mauled by the tiger while harvesting beans on Friday morning. The incident has sparked widespread protests, prompting authorities to announce that the tiger will be shot if capture attempts fail.

The Sub-Collector’s order cites the high population density of the area and the potential risk of further casualties if public gatherings continue, as onlookers could interfere with capture operations. Forest and police officials are working to secure the area and ensure public safety, the order added.

"It is essential to restrict public gatherings in the affected locality until the tiger is captured and relocated to a safe place to prevent any further incidents," the sub-divisional magistrate stated.

Those who violate the order will face prosecution under Section 221 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).