Patna: A photograph of a tiger, allegedly spotted roaming the streets of Patna City, went viral on Thursday, prompting panic among residents and a swift response from local police. However, authorities have dismissed the image as fake and taken the youth who posted it into custody for questioning.
The incident unfolded in Shriram Colony, located in the Mehndi Ganj area, where a local resident, Saurabh Kumar, claimed he saw a tiger from his rooftop on Wednesday. According to police, he captured a photo of the animal on his mobile phone and circulated it on social media, triggering alarm in the neighbourhood.
Residents, fearing for their safety, reported the matter to the Mehndi Ganj police station. Station in-charge Kishore Kunal Jha visited the colony with his team and spoke with locals.
“Preliminary investigation suggests the image is not genuine,” Jha said. “We have taken the youth into custody and are questioning him about the post.”
Kumar reportedly told police that he spotted the animal at night and alerted his family. He claimed he was unable to shoot a video because his phone was malfunctioning.
Police have also alerted the forest department, which confirmed it will send a team to investigate. “We have received information and will examine the area,” an official said, adding that the image is under review.
