A recent tiger sighting within the sprawling premises of the Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) complex in Mysuru has caused considerable anxiety among employees and the surrounding community. The large central government-owned facility, located in the Ilavala area, is near a minor forest patch, making it susceptible to wildlife movement.
The Incident
The presence of the big cat was confirmed on Friday night when an individual traveling by car near the complex's boundary walls managed to capture the animal on their mobile phone camera. The video, which has since circulated on social media, shows the tiger moving boldly close to the compound, confirming the fears of local residents and BEML personnel.
The Ilavala region, situated on the outskirts of Mysuru city, is known to be near areas frequented by wildlife. Previously, a tiger had been spotted in a village near this short forest area, prompting the Forest Department to launch a trapping operation. However, the latest appearance inside the BEML factory grounds—a high-security industrial zone—has escalated the level of alarm.
Employee Safety in Jeopardy
The BEML factory, which employs a large workforce, has vast tracts of land, including areas with dense vegetation that provide cover for wild animals. While leopards are known to occasionally stray into the complex (with several being trapped and relocated in the past), a tiger sighting represents a far more significant threat.
Employees, particularly those on night shifts or those who commute through the complex's peripheral roads, are now extremely worried about their safety. Company officials were immediately informed of the sighting and, in turn, alerted the Forest Department.
Forest Department Launches Operation
Following the alert, a team of Forest Department officials rushed to the spot to investigate. They have initiated a combing operation in the BEML premises and the adjoining forest area.
Initial actions include:
- Increased Vigilance: Deploying personnel for round-the-clock monitoring.
- Warning Issued: Advising BEML employees and local residents to exercise extreme caution, especially during the night.
- Tracking: Checking for pug marks and other signs to confirm the animal's current movement and potentially install camera traps.
The public has been strictly advised to avoid unnecessary movement in the area after dark and to immediately report any further sightings to the Forest Department control room. The collective goal is to safely capture and relocate the tiger before any untoward incident occurs.
