Debunking claims on social media about a tiger in the hills of Kharghar in Navi Mumbai, environmentalists said that those spreading rumours have a vested interest. This could be a case of mistaken identity, as people often refer to leopards and tigers as ‘wagh’, they said.

“There is no official confirmation from either the forest department or the wildlife board about this. Those creating fake news and spreading rumours about tiger sightings have a vested interest. Some people might be using the rumour to get some privacy in the hills to have parties, as a tiger’s presence would keep the public away. Sometimes, you may see a leopard near human habitation, but certainly not tigers,” said Nandakumar Pawar, head of Shri Ekvira Aai Pratishthan.