The royal Bengal Tiger that strayed into human habitat on the banks of the interconnected Piyali and Matla rivers in South 24-Parganas’ Kultali three days ago stayed elusive on Sunday, but attacked and injured a villager.

Forest department personnel camping in the area failed to nab the tiger that did not venture close to the goat used as bait.

However, on Sunday morning, the tiger made a sudden attack on villager Motaleb Mollah when the latter was busy trying to put a net around the residential area of Sekhpara along with forest department workers.

“I was putting up a net when the tiger jumped on me from the other side. I fell on the ground and got injured”, Motaleb said.

Local sources said the tiger strayed into Gopalganj of Kultali on Thursday, shortly after fishermen spotted pugmarks on the banks of the Matla. Two women also noticed the animal while fishing for crabs.

The villagers informed the forest officials, who arrived with nets and cages. On Friday, the tiger sneaked into No 5 Garankathi area of Kultali, prompting officials to set up a trap. But the tiger seemed to have moved to the adjacent riverbank, which came to light when villagers spotted fresh pugmarks.

On Saturday morning, officials alerted residents of Dongajora-Kella about the possible presence of the tiger, which came to light when groups of picnickers reportedly heard roars of the animal.

Forest officials laid a trap on Saturday night, but the tiger again appeared to have moved away. On Sunday, the tiger was spotted in the jungle adjacent to Sekhpara.

The tiger’s lack of interest in the bait has created concern among forest authorities. A senior forest official claimed the goat’s bleats probably did not reach the tiger.

Forest officials are requesting residents to stay at home but villagers are turning belligerent. On Sunday, some reached the area armed with bamboo poles and sharp weapons. “It is unbearable staying at home for days without work,” a villager said.

Forest minister Jyotipriya Mullick appealed to villagers to be patient and promised help for the injured villager. “The forest department is trying its best to nab the tiger. We are hopeful of trapping it soon. Anything done in haste will invite danger,” Mullick said.