A migrant tea estate worker was mauled to death by a tiger in Devarsolai near Gudalur, about 80 km from here.

When 53-year old Magu from Jharkhand did not return from work as usual by 7 p.m. last night, his relatives and co-workers began a search in the area, police said.

They found the body in two parts – with head separated – around 3 a.m. on Saturday, and immediately informed the forest officials and police, they said.

The pug marks in a slushy area near the spot and teeth marks on the neck of Magu, as he was taken by the animal by its mouth, confirmed that he was attacked by the tiger, police said.

The agitated villagers blamed forest officials for not finding permanent solution to the tiger problem in the area, as a woman was mauled to death by a tiger some six months ago in the area. The tiger was however shot dead.

Meanwhile, villagers and leaders of all political parties are meeting to discuss future course of action to prevent the menace, they said.

Meanwhile, 14 cameras and four cages have been installed at strategic places to trap the animal, police said.

Three teams, comprising police, forest officials and special task force, are searching for the animals, with one team having tranquiliser, they said.

The movement of the tiger is also being closely monitored.