Tiger on the Loose: Strict Curfew Imposed in Assam’s Kaliabor

The Assam government has issued a stringent prohibitory order in Kaliabor Co-District following a spate of attacks by a rogue Royal Bengal Tiger that strayed from the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. The tiger, which injured one woman and tragically killed another on December 21, 2024, has been spotted in several areas, including Kaliabor Tea Estate, Sonarigaon, and Silghat, prompting concerns for public safety.

In response to the escalating situation, Liza Talukdar, the Additional District Magistrate of Kaliabor Co-District, has invoked Section 163(1) of the BNSS, 2023, to enforce a series of restrictions. These measures include prohibiting entry and movement on specific roads during nighttime hours, restricting unnecessary movement throughout the day, and barring unauthorized entry into the Kamakhya Reserve Forest.

The order also prohibits movement on the road leading to the Trishuldhari Temple during nighttime and restricts entry beyond the temple point within the reserve forest area at all times. Individuals found violating these restrictions may face legal action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

While the order will remain in effect until further notice, it does not apply to essential personnel such as police, security personnel, forest staff, and government officials on duty. Tea garden workers, jute mill employees, and local residents may also be permitted to move during daylight hours for legitimate purposes.

The notification emphasizes that this stringent measure has been implemented to prioritize public safety and that any individual seeking exemption or modification of the order may approach the Additional District Magistrate.