A 73-year-old farmer lost his life in a tragic tiger attack in Uttarakhand's Udham Singh Nagar district. The incident occurred in Bagga Chawan village near Khatima on Monday afternoon. This marks the tenth fatal wildlife encounter in the Kumaon region over the past two months.
Search reveals grim discovery
Sher Singh Kanyal had gone to a nearby forest to graze his cattle. When his cattle returned alone by evening, villagers grew concerned. Family members and neighbors launched a search operation using tractor headlights and motorcycles.
Around 9 pm, they discovered a bloodstained jacket belonging to Kanyal. Drag marks led the search party approximately 500 meters into dense bushes. There they found his mutilated body with severe injuries to the neck, back, and lower body.
Forest department responds
Forest officials collected tiger hair from Kanyal's shirt and sent samples to a forensic laboratory in Dehradun for analysis. Surai range officer Rajendra Singh Manral confirmed immediate action.
"A forest department team is combing the area thoroughly," Manral stated. "We have installed a cage near the village and set up camera traps. We strongly advise villagers to avoid entering forest areas."
Rising human-wildlife conflict
Principal chief conservator of forests Ranjan Kumar Mishra acknowledged a significant increase in human-wildlife conflicts across the region. He outlined the department's response measures.
"We are intensifying patrolling efforts and running awareness campaigns in vulnerable villages," Mishra explained. "Divisional forest officers have received direct instructions to enhance surveillance activities."
Political intervention demanded
Khatima MLA Bhuvan Kapri called for urgent government intervention following the tragic incident. He emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent further loss of life.
"Swift and concrete steps are essential to protect human lives," Kapri asserted. "The bereaved family deserves immediate financial assistance during this difficult time."
Family left devastated
Sher Singh Kanyal served as the sole breadwinner for his family. He leaves behind his wife, four daughters, and a son. Authorities conducted a postmortem examination on Tuesday before releasing his body to grieving family members.
This tragic event follows nine other fatal wildlife attacks reported across Kumaon since November 12. The pattern of increasing conflicts between humans and wild animals continues to raise serious concerns among local communities and authorities alike.
