A male tiger from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra was tranquilised near a cattle shed in Kurmapuram, East Godavari district, on February 5 around 6.50 p.m. The tiger was safely taken to the Animal Rescue Centre (ARC) in Visakhapatnam on February 7. The Forest Department formed a special committee to monitor the tiger and decide on its rehabilitation. Despite entering human areas and urban zones, the tiger never attacked a person and only preyed on cattle for survival. However, people disturbed the tranquilisation by shouting and crowding for photos. "Despite the provocations, the animal didn’t attack anyone," said officials. According to the National Tiger Conservation Authority's Standard Operating Procedure, a healthy, young tiger without injuries can be released back into a proper habitat after fitting a radio collar. Rajamahendravaram Chief Conservator of Forest B.N.N. Murthy confirmed, "the tiger is healthy and didn’t suffer any injury during its entire journey or during tranquilisation." He also stressed the tiger needs to stay away from human presence for some days. However, wildlife experts raised concerns about the poor condition of the 'rewilding facility' in Nagarjuna Srisailam Tiger Reserve, Andhra Pradesh, which is meant to help rescued tigers adapt to the wild. The facility covers 35 hectares but lacks proper upkeep, making it unsuitable for this tiger's rehabilitation. The final decision on the tiger’s release is pending based on the committee’s insights.