Panic gripped Karanjia in Mayurbhanj district after villagers discovered two severed human legs in the Dudhiani forest near Kumudabadi village under the Karanjia forest range.
The condition of the remains and marks around the site suggested a possible tiger attack.
The victim, identified as Sadhu Nayak of Basantpur village under Jashipur police limits, had gone to the forest yesterday morning to collect fodder for his goats. When he did not return by evening, his family began searching for him.
Early today, locals found two mutilated legs and a piece of lungi believed to belong to Nayak. They immediately informed the forest department and police. Officials reached the spot and began an investigation. Evidence indicated that a tiger might have attacked the man and dragged away the rest of the body.
Teams from Jashipur Police and the Forest Department inspected the area and launched a detailed probe to confirm the cause of death and identify the animal involved. Authorities have warned villagers not to venture alone into the forest until the investigation concludes.
Fear has spread across Kumudabadi and nearby villages following the gruesome discovery. Forest officials assured that surveillance and patrolling will intensify to prevent further incidents.
