What Happened to the Fisherman Attacked by a Royal Bengal Tiger?
Synopsis
A tragic incident unfolded in the Sundarbans as a fisherman was fatally attacked by a Royal Bengal tiger, leading to a desperate search that ended two days later with the discovery of his body. This shocking event highlights the dangers faced by locals who rely on the forest for their livelihoods.
Key Takeaways
The tragic death of Jiban Bhakta highlights the dangers of fishing in wildlife-rich areas.
Immediate support for affected families is crucial following such incidents.
Investigations are underway to understand the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Local communities face dire challenges in balancing livelihoods with wildlife conservation.
The importance of safety measures in wildlife habitats cannot be overstated.
Kolkata, Feb 8 (NationPress) The lifeless body of a fisherman was discovered in the Sundarbans on Sunday, two days after he was viciously attacked and pulled into the mangrove forest by a Royal Bengal tiger.
Authorities reported that a young man lost his life due to a tiger attack, which occurred right before his wife's eyes. The couple had ventured out to catch crabs near Kalas Island in the Patharpratima block of South 24 Parganas district on Friday.
The victim has been identified as Jiban Bhakta, aged 36, who resided in the Satyadaspur area of G-Plot. He had married four years ago and was living with his wife, Durga Bhakta, and their two children at his in-laws’ home in the Indrapastha tribal colony under Ramganga Gram Panchayat.
To support their struggling family, the couple often took risks by entering the Sundarbans to catch crabs and fish.
Last Thursday, Jiban and Durga headed to the western shore of Kalas Island to catch crabs alongside about ten other fishermen.
On Friday evening, while they were working next to each other, a tiger suddenly lunged at Jiban from the forest. Durga watched in horror as the tiger attacked her husband and dragged him into the dense woods. Although their companions rushed to help upon hearing Durga's screams, no one dared to enter the thick forest due to the lurking tiger.
On Sunday afternoon, some locals entered the forest to search for him and discovered his mutilated body. It was subsequently transported to Patharpratima by boat. The police from the Patharpratima police station recovered the body and sent it to Kakdwip Sub-Divisional Hospital for a post-mortem investigation.
This tragic event has cast a shadow of sorrow over the community. Local residents are urging the government to provide immediate financial aid and long-term support for Jiban's wife and two children.
Jiban's mother-in-law, Sari Bhakta, lamented, "My daughter and son-in-law went out to catch crabs. At that moment, a tiger attacked my son-in-law and pulled him into the woods. Soon after, villagers found his body. It would be beneficial if the government could assist my daughter, who is now left with two young children."
Partha Mukhopadhyay, the Additional Divisional Forest Officer of South 24 Parganas district, commented, "A fisherman from Patharpratima had entered the forest to catch crabs. Reports indicate that a tiger attacked him. The villagers recovered his body from the forest. The deceased, Jiban Bhakta, has already been sent for a post-mortem. Investigations are ongoing, and officials from the Raidighi Range Office are consulting with the family and witnesses."
Point of View
I recognize the profound impact this event has on both the local community and the broader conversation about wildlife interactions. The need for better protection and support for families in vulnerable areas is more pressing than ever. We must address the balance between human activities and wildlife conservation to prevent such tragedies in the future.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Jiban Bhakta?
Jiban Bhakta was attacked and killed by a Royal Bengal tiger while crabbing in the Sundarbans.
Where did the incident take place?
The incident occurred near Kalas Island in the Patharpratima block of South 24 Parganas district.
What are the local residents demanding?
Local residents are urging the government to provide immediate financial assistance and long-term support for Jiban's family.
Who is responsible for investigating the incident?
The Additional Divisional Forest Officer and officials from the Raidighi Range Office are investigating the matter.
What risks do local fishermen face?
Local fishermen often risk their lives by entering the Sundarbans to catch crabs and fish, which exposes them to wildlife attacks.
