At least eight tendu leaf collectors, including women, were injured — some critically — after a herd of wild boars attacked them in a forested area of Rajnandgaon district on Tuesday. The incident occurred during the peak collection season, triggering panic among workers.
Details of the Incident
The workers were caught off guard when a group of wild boars charged at them, leaving several with serious injuries before they could react. Witnesses reported chaos as laborers attempted to flee the sudden attack. Women were among those seriously hurt.
The attack took place around 7 a.m. in the Kohla Kasa forest, where over a dozen villagers from nearby settlements had entered the jungle to pluck tendu leaves. The injured have been identified as Phoolbai, Madhuri, Anjanibai, Urmila Joshi, and Kheduram, among others.
Medical Response
Five of the injured were admitted to Rajnandgaon Medical College Hospital, while others were transferred to Pathri and Chhuria health centers. Hospital sources confirmed that at least one woman remains critical with deep injuries to her chest and arms, while the condition of the others is stable. Graphic images of the injuries underscore the severity of the attack.
Forest Department Action
Divisional Forest Officer Ayush Jain inspected the site and later visited the hospital to assess the situation. He stated, "The incident is under investigation. Immediate medical assistance has been provided, and the department will cover treatment expenses." He added that interim relief would be given to the injured.
Forest officials noted that a herd of wild boars remains in the area, and teams have been deployed to monitor their movement, as the animals appear highly aggressive.
Community Concerns
The attack has sparked fear in Kohla Kasa and nearby villages, especially as many villagers enter forests during the tendu leaf season. Residents are demanding increased patrolling and better safety measures, citing rising wildlife movement that endangers lives.
Continuous incidents of human-animal conflict are being reported across the state during the mahua and tendu leaf collection seasons. Experts suggest that wild animals may feel threatened by humans taking their food sources, triggering aggression and attacks.
Separate Incident
In a related event, another wild boar attack on tendu leaf collectors in Halekosa village, Chhuria region, left several injured, further intensifying safety concerns in forest areas.
