A forest range officer posted in the buffer zone of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve has been awarded a commendation and a cash reward of Rs 25,000 for displaying exceptional courage and leadership during a tense human-wildlife conflict incident in which a woman was killed and another person critically injured. The incident occurred between 2:30 am and 3:00 am on May 24 in Kherwa Tola village of the Panpatha Buffer Zone, where a tiger entered a house, resulting in the death of a woman and severe injuries to another resident.
Officer's Quick Response
Patour Range Officer Anju Verma rushed to the spot with her staff to shift the injured to the hospital and assist in efforts to rescue the tiger trapped inside the house. Officials reported that the situation turned volatile as a large crowd of villagers gathered, and tensions escalated. Enraged residents attacked forest staff with sticks and stones, injuring several personnel and forcing them to retreat. Amid the unrest, Verma was reportedly surrounded and held captive by villagers for nearly four to five hours, during which she allegedly faced abuse and assault.
Leadership Amid Hostility
Despite the hostile conditions, officials said Verma continued engaging with villagers, helping calm tempers and maintain coordination between the administration and local residents while also managing the tiger-related emergency. In recognition of her “courage, sustained dialogue with villagers, dedication to duty and leadership,” the Field Director of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve honored Verma with a commendation award. A 2016-batch range officer, she has previously served in Khawasa Range in Seoni and Shahgarh Range in Sagar before her current posting in Patour Range.
This incident highlights the challenges faced by forest officials in managing human-wildlife conflicts, especially when emotions run high among affected communities. The award serves as a testament to the bravery and resilience required in such critical situations.
