What Happened When a Tiger Attacked a Woman in MP?

Synopsis
In a shocking event, a woman was killed in a tiger attack in Madhya Pradesh's Seoni district while collecting tendu leaves. This incident highlights the ongoing human-tiger conflict, raising questions about wildlife management and safety in rural areas. Read on to discover more about the tragic circumstances surrounding this event.
Key Takeaways
- Human-tiger conflict continues to be a significant issue.
- The victim was gathering tendu leaves when attacked.
- Compensation for the victim's family is a contentious topic.
- The need for better wildlife management strategies is evident.
- Recent attacks in the region highlight the dangers faced by local communities.
Bhopal, May 11 (NationPress) In yet another devastating incident of human-tiger interaction, a woman tragically lost her life due to a tiger attack in the Seoni district of Madhya Pradesh.
The attack took place in the forest close to Bichhua village in the Kurai area, situated within the Rukhad buffer zone of the South General Forest Division on Saturday morning.
A senior forest official confirmed that the victim was gathering tendu leaves when the tiger, estimated to be between four to five years old, suddenly attacked her.
According to the officer, "We are currently attempting to locate the tiger, but we must first understand the motive behind its aggression. Generally, older or injured tigers may target easier prey and sometimes resort to attacking humans out of desperation. However, this tiger is not old. "
The victim has been identified as 50-year-old Hemlata Daharwal.
Tendu leaves are traditionally used as wrappers for beedis, and tribal communities collect them during summer for extra income. The State Government issues licenses for their collection and processing annually.
Reports indicate that the tiger lunged at Daharwal, inflicting fatal injuries to her neck and other body parts. She died at the scene, and the tiger subsequently dragged her body several meters into a thicker part of the forest.
Nearby witnesses responded quickly, with over 50 villagers gathering due to the noise, which startled the tiger and prompted it to flee.
Following the incident, officials from the Forest Department and police arrived to examine the site, documenting tiger tracks and signs of the victim being dragged.
A "panchnama" was prepared to assist in the ongoing investigation.
The grieving family of Daharwal is seeking compensation of Rs 25 lakh for their loss; however, the standard compensation ranges from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.
In accordance with government policies, the Forest Department provided an initial relief sum of Rs 8 lakh.
In Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, located in Umaria district, four tiger attacks were reported in April, resulting in multiple fatalities, including a man, a woman, and a 12-year-old child. Additionally, another woman remains hospitalized due to severe injuries.