Gayaji: A rare and shocking sight has created panic in the forest areas of Gayaji district, Bihar, after a tiger was seen for the first time in the Chhakarbandha region. The animal was spotted late on Friday evening in the Chhara Patthar and Kharau forest belt under Dumaria block. This area is thick with trees and is known for wildlife, but villagers say they have never seen a tiger here before. The sudden appearance of the big cat has left local people frightened and unsure about their safety.
The tiger was first seen near the construction site of the Varanasi–Kolkata Expressway, which is currently passing through this forest area. Workers and truck drivers noticed the animal moving across the site and later sitting at a distance before walking back into the forest. Some workers recorded videos and took photos on their mobile phones. These quickly spread on social media, causing more people to panic. Work at the construction site slowed down as many workers were afraid to stay in the area after dark.
News of the tiger sighting soon reached nearby villages such as Chhara Patthar, Khadau and others close to the forest. Villagers said they are now avoiding going alone to their fields and are staying inside their homes at night. One resident, Anil Singh Bhokta, said he saw the tiger while returning from his fields in the evening. Although wild animals have often been seen in the area, locals say this is the first time a tiger has ever been spotted so close to their villages.
The Forest Department acted quickly after receiving the information. A team reached the area and started patrolling the forest. Forest Officer Kuldeep Chauhan said that the department is tracking the tiger’s paw prints and following the direction in which it moved. A search operation is ongoing to locate the animal and guide it safely back into the deeper forest. He also appealed to people not to believe rumours and not to panic, assuring that the situation is being closely monitored to keep both villagers and the tiger safe.
