Farmer dies after tiger attack, villagers clash with forest officials

A farmer injured by tiger attack in Ambezari village of Katangi area of ​​the district died during treatment. After the death, angry villagers refused to remove the body from the vehicle. During this, the villagers had a fierce dispute with the forest department officials, even a scuffle broke out. Seeing the situation deteriorating, the matter was settled after the persuasion of SDM and police who reached the spot.

65-year-old farmer Sevakram Gaupale of Ambezari village was returning home with cattle on Thursday, when a tiger present in the field attacked him. The seriously injured farmer was taken to the district hospital, where he died today during treatment. After the death, anger spread in the village. The villagers did not allow the body to be removed from the vehicle and started arguing with the forest department officials. During this, there was a fierce dispute between the villagers and DFO Adhar Gupta and the ranger.

The villagers allege that four villagers have lost their lives due to tiger attacks in one year, but the forest department is only engaged in persuasion instead of taking action. The villagers demanded compensation of Rs 25 lakh to the deceased family and fencing of the fields on the edge of the forest. Seeing the situation deteriorating, the SDM who reached the spot counselled the villagers and DFO Adhar Gupta assured that patrolling will be increased and security arrangements will be made. The matter calmed down after the persuasion.