Tiger Attack Claims Shepherd's Life in Chandrapur District
A tragic incident unfolded late Thursday night in the agricultural fields of Fisakuti village, located under the Pombhurna forest range in Chandrapur district. A 37-year-old shepherd, identified as Vasudev Ganpat Kankalwar, a resident of Junasurla village, was fatally attacked by a tiger while guarding his flock of goats and sheep.
Details of the Fatal Encounter
Kankalwar had camped near the Mahakali temple in Fisakuti farmland along with his brother and sister-in-law to protect his animals. According to forest officials, the group was sleeping close to the herd when the tiger struck shortly after midnight. The predator first attacked the flock, causing panic among the animals.
Awakened by the commotion, Kankalwar attempted to respond but was pounced upon by the tiger. His relatives, who were resting a short distance away, woke up after hearing the disturbance. When he did not return, they began searching and later discovered his body lying in a pool of blood in a nearby field close to the temple.
Immediate Response and Investigation
Forest department personnel and police reached the spot soon after being alerted. A thorough spot inspection was conducted, and the body was sent to the rural hospital in Mul for a postmortem examination. The incident has triggered significant alarm in Fisakuti, Virai, Gadisurla, Junasurla, and neighboring villages, where residents have reported increased tiger movement in recent times.
Forest Department Measures and Relief
In response to the attack, forest officials have stepped up patrols in the area and installed 10 camera traps to monitor the animal's movement closely. The victim's family has been provided with immediate relief assistance of ₹50,000 to help them cope with the sudden loss.
Rising Wildlife Conflict in Chandrapur
This incident highlights the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in the region. According to official data, eight people have died in wildlife attacks in Chandrapur district so far this year. Out of these, seven fatalities were due to tiger attacks, and one resulted from a leopard attack. The forest department continues to work on strategies to mitigate such conflicts and ensure the safety of both villagers and wildlife.
