In what seems like a chase straight out of a thriller, a tiger on the outskirts of Lucknow has been skillfully dodging capture for months, outwitting forest officials much like some of the most elusive conmen in India. The situation has persisted since early November 2024, leaving people in affected areas on high alert.

In the latest incident, the tiger hunted down a calf in the Rehmankhera area, marking its 23rd kill. The incident took place on Saturday night in the vine orchard of the Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (ICAR-CISH).

Resultingly, the forest department has intensified efforts to track and capture the tiger. The teams are also using thermal drones and surveillance cameras to monitor its movements. Fresh pugmarks have been spotted in Zone 1 and Zone 3, prompting a combing operation across all three zones.

Meanwhile, a special team has been stationed near the calf's carcass, while a team of veterinarians remains on standby at a watchtower in Rehmankhera, anticipating the tiger’s possible return.