Arunachal Pradesh has authorised the capture of a tiger that killed a head constable on the Roing–Mayodia road inside Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary. The decision was taken after the big cat fatally attacked Chikseng Manapang, a Head Constable posted at WT Police Station, Roing, while he was travelling through the sanctuary stretch late on 2 February. The operation has been cleared for rehabilitation of the animal and will follow the prescribed wildlife management procedures.
Legal and Administrative Action
The Chief Wildlife Warden invoked Section 11(1)(a) of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, to permit capture of the tiger. The Divisional Forest Officer of Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary has been authorised to lead the operation. The state has stressed that the exercise will be conducted strictly under the Standard Operating Procedures of the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
Ground Response and Expert Support
Senior officers of the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department reviewed the situation at the Itanagar headquarters. They directed immediate action to manage the conflict zone. Veterinary experts from Itanagar Zoo and CBRC, Pakke Tiger Reserve, have been deployed. Trained Special Tiger Force personnel from Namdapha Tiger Reserve have also been sent with tranquilising equipment. A technical expert committee has been formed to monitor the operation.
Public Safety and Relief Measures
Authorities have urged travellers to remain cautious while moving through the affected stretch and to avoid approaching wildlife. The sanctuary road remains a sensitive corridor where human-wildlife interaction can turn dangerous. The state government has announced ₹10 lakh ex-gratia assistance to the victim’s family.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026