A 35‑year‑old man named Periasamy was killed on the night of Saturday, October 3, 2026, near Hasanur in the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve. Forest Department officials say the fatal incident occurred at about 1 a.m. close to a restaurant building on National Highway 948, and the animal that attacked the victim is suspected to be a leopard.
After Periasamy was reported missing, villagers searched the area and discovered his body near the forest fringe, close to the spot where the attack took place.
The villagers staged a protest demanding the deployment of additional Forest Department personnel for protection, higher compensation for the victim’s family, and a visit by a senior forest officer to discuss the matter. They also cited earlier incidents of cattle being killed by a carnivore in the same area.
After nearly two hours of protest, the villagers allowed the body to be taken for post‑mortem examination. A senior Forest Department official stated that the department could confirm whether the animal was a leopard or another carnivore only after the post‑mortem and further investigation. Requests for additional personnel and enhanced protection measures had already been submitted to the government, and a grievance meeting with the villagers will be arranged to address their concerns.
