How Did a Tiger Attack Lead to a Farmer’s Death in Bihar?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tragic Incident: A farmer was killed by a tiger in Bihar.
- Injury Report: A forest worker was also injured during the tracking process.
- Community Fear: Villagers are avoiding farm work due to heightened fear.
- Authorities Respond: Efforts are underway to locate the tiger.
- Safety Measures: Residents are advised to stay away from forest areas.
Patna, Aug 11 (NationPress) A wave of fear has descended upon the Ghoda Ghat village in the Bagaha subdivision of West Champaran, Bihar, following a tragic incident where a tiger escaped from the Valmiki Tiger Reserve and claimed the life of a farmer on Monday.
A Forest Department worker sustained serious injuries while trying to track the elusive feline.
The victim has been identified as 65-year-old farmer Mathura Mahato, who was tending to his paddy field close to Ghoda Ghat, located within the Govardhana Forest Range, when the tiger attacked.
The ferocious animal fatally mauled Mahato, reportedly ripping open his abdomen, and subsequently dragged his body into adjacent sugarcane fields.
“He was my father-in-law. He had gone to work in the field when the tiger suddenly attacked. After killing him, the tiger hid nearby, keeping the body in its mouth. The Forest Department team later managed to recover it,” expressed Renu Devi, the victim’s daughter-in-law.
Upon receiving reports of the incident, a team of forest workers was dispatched to track and drive the tiger back into the forest.
During the search, the tiger, which was still near the body, attacked a tracker, clawing his thigh.
The animal retreated only after other workers shouted and created a commotion. The injured tracker was taken to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Ramnagar, where he remains in critical condition.
“We had information that a tiger had killed a farmer. When we reached Ghoda Ghat, the tiger, hiding in the sugarcane, suddenly attacked one of our team. We managed to scare it away and took our injured colleague to CHC Ramnagar,” said Ram Vinay Oraon, a tiger tracker with the forest department.
This incident has instilled widespread fear among villagers, many of whom are now refraining from agricultural work.
Forest Conservator-cum-Director of Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR), Neshamani K., assured residents that steps are being taken to monitor the tiger's movements.
He urged residents to avoid forested areas until the animal is located and captured.
According to official data, there are 54 tigers in the VTR.