A 60-year-old farmer was attacked by a bear on Saturday morning in Dhond village, located within the Dhulkot forest range of Burhanpur district. The victim, identified as Raisingh, sustained severe injuries on his legs and thighs. Upon hearing his screams, nearby villagers rushed to the spot and managed to scare the animal back into the forest.
Medical Response and Referral
Raisingh was immediately rushed to a local healthcare facility near Dhulkot via a 108 ambulance. From there, he was referred to the Burhanpur district hospital for advanced medical treatment.
Forest Department Explanation
Dhulkot forest ranger Manoj Kumar Vaskale explained that the intense summer heat has depleted natural water sources, forcing wildlife to move towards agricultural lands on the forest periphery. This has increased the likelihood of human-wildlife encounters.
This incident marks the second bear attack in the district within five days. Earlier, a bear had mauled a shepherd in Utaini village. In response, the forest department has initiated public awareness announcements, warning villagers to exercise caution near forest borders.
Poaching Incident in Mandsaur
In a separate incident, residents of Betikhedi village under Nahargarh police station limits in Mandsaur caught two men accused of poaching an Indian peafowl. The carcass of the bird was seized by the villagers. Both suspects and the dead bird were handed over to the Nahargarh police station.
Legal Action
Divisional forest officer Sanjay Raikhere told TOI that a specialized team has been dispatched to conduct a formal investigation. “Legal proceedings are being initiated under the Wildlife Protection Act,” he said. The forest department is taking strict action against wildlife crimes to protect endangered species.
