Tiger Attack Claims Life in Chandrapur Village, Seventh Wildlife Fatality This Year
A tragic incident unfolded in the Mamala beat of Chandrapur's buffer forest range, part of the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, on Tuesday evening. A villager lost his life in a sudden and brutal tiger attack, sparking renewed concerns about human-wildlife conflict in the region.
Details of the Fatal Encounter
The victim has been identified as Jagan Durve, a 47-year-old resident of Mamala village. According to forest department sources, Durve had ventured into a nearby forest area to gather firewood when he was ambushed by a tiger. The attack occurred in compartment number 384 of the Mamala beat, where the tiger fatally mauled Durve by seizing his throat.
Upon discovering the incident, local villagers promptly alerted the forest department. Officials and staff rushed to the scene to conduct an assessment and initiate response measures. In the aftermath, forest authorities have significantly intensified patrolling efforts across the surrounding area. An alert has been issued, strongly advising residents to exercise extreme caution when entering forested zones.
Compensation and Historical Context
Sources within the forest department confirmed that the victim's family has been provided with immediate relief assistance amounting to ₹1 lakh. This tragic event adds to a distressing pattern of wildlife attacks in Chandrapur district.
So far in the current year, this incident marks the seventh human fatality resulting from wildlife encounters in the district. Among these, six deaths have been attributed to tiger attacks, while one was caused by a leopard. Historical data reveals an even more alarming trend: in 2025 alone, the district recorded 47 deaths from wildlife attacks. This included 42 fatalities from tigers, three from leopards, and two from attacks by a bear and an elephant, respectively.
The recurring nature of these incidents underscores the ongoing challenges in managing human-wildlife coexistence in buffer zones surrounding protected areas like the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. Forest officials continue to emphasize the importance of community awareness and adherence to safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.
