Nagpur Veterinarian Makes History by Tranquilizing Elusive Man-Eater Tiger
In a remarkable display of skill and patience, 27-year-old veterinarian Dr Priyal Chouragade successfully tranquilized a man-eater tiger that had been terrorizing villages in Parseoni taluka, approximately 40 kilometers from Nagpur. The operation, conducted on the eve of International Women's Day, required Dr Chouragade to remain motionless on a machan for nearly 15 hours before delivering a perfect shot with her tranquilizer rifle.
The Elusive Predator and Mounting Tensions
The Parseoni tiger had become the epicenter of a severe man-animal conflict, repeatedly outsmarting forest officials and tracking teams over several months. Villagers had grown increasingly frustrated, blaming the forest department for perceived inaction despite continuous efforts by expert teams to track the elusive big cat. The situation had reached a critical point, with public safety concerns escalating throughout the region.
The Tense 15-Hour Vigil
Dr Chouragade understood the gravity of the situation perfectly. Missing her shot was simply not an option. From her concealed position on the machan, hidden under layers of nets and leaves that provided essential camouflage, she carefully observed the bait placed to lure the tiger back to the location. The predator had killed prey at the spot the previous day, and the team anticipated its return to finish feeding.
Through a small opening in her camouflage, Dr Chouragade maintained patient vigilance. Suddenly, calls from animals detecting tiger presence increased in the surrounding wilderness. The sub-adult tiger, approximately three years old, stepped into the clearing. This sight instantly raised Dr Chouragade's pulse. She knew that even the slightest noise or movement could cause the tiger to bolt back into the forest and disappear once again.
The Critical Shot and Precision Execution
To maximize her accuracy, Dr Chouragade had made the strategic decision to remove the rifle's telescopic sight, relying entirely on her own vision and marksmanship skills. Maintaining absolute stillness, she carefully tracked the animal's movements as it settled near the carcass and began feeding.
Even with the tiger in position, Dr Chouragade did not rush her shot. She mentally reviewed every step of the process repeatedly, considering the tiger's movements, increasing wind speed, and potential sudden changes in position. When the perfect moment finally arrived, she took a deep breath, firmed her grip on the rifle, and pressed the trigger.
The dart hit its mark perfectly. The tiger sprinted off into the dense forest cover nearby. Dr Chouragade's eyes followed the animal until it disappeared from view, after which she immediately alerted her strategically positioned team members.
Historic Achievement and Team Effort
With that precise shot, Dr Chouragade likely became the first woman shooter in Maharashtra to successfully dart and rescue a tiger, marking a historic achievement on the eve of International Women's Day. Speaking about the operation, she emphasized the collaborative nature of the mission, stating, "I knew I made the shot, hence I called everyone; else it would be akin to risking their lives if the tiger attacks."
The tranquilizer took approximately 10 minutes to take full effect. Following Dr Chouragade's directions, the team rushed to the location and successfully secured the big cat within another 10 minutes. Despite the spotlight on her personal achievement, Dr Chouragade consistently emphasized that the operation represented a true team effort.
Credit to Leadership and Experienced Team
Dr Chouragade credited Dr Vinita Vyas, a senior veterinarian who also serves as an Indian Forest Service officer, for providing her the opportunity to lead such a challenging mission. "We knew it will come to eat the carcass. All exit passages were blocked," Dr Chouragade explained, highlighting the thorough planning behind the operation.
The experienced team included Kundan Hate, Pratik Ghate, Vilas, and Bandu Mangar from the Tiger Transit Centre (TTC), whose expertise ensured the entire rescue operation proceeded smoothly and safely.
Successful Recovery and Ongoing Observation
Dr Vinita Vyas, Deputy Conservator of Forests (territorial, Nagpur), confirmed that "The tiger was brought back to Nagpur late at night. It is under observation at TTC Nagpur and is responding well." The successful operation has brought relief to the terrorized villages while demonstrating exceptional wildlife management and conservation efforts in the region.
