Man killed by tiger, 16 injured by leopard in Bundelkhand

As many as 16 persons were injured when they were attacked by a leopard while a tribal was killed by a tiger in two separate incidents in Panna district, more than 410 kilometers north east of Bhopal, said forest department officials.

In the first incident that took place in the morning hours in at least half a dozen villages under Raipura forest range. A leopard from Mohadra-Sharan jungle attacked villagers in Surra, Murta, Kaluakheda, Pala, Sinhai and Jhaladumri villages one after another while they were sleeping outside their houses.

According to divisional forest officer (DFO), Panna South Meena Kumri Mishra the injured include Badi Bahu, 70, Phool Bai 40, Hemvati 25, Sundar Singh 55, Hote Singh 40, Rena Bai 10, Kalla 12, Virender Singh 70, Kishore 50, Ramsevak 65, Angori Bai 22, Pannalal 20, Ashok Rani 40, Ramesh 48, Rajju 50 and Jaggu 14.

Four of the injured including 70-year-old woman Badi Bahu who received multiple injuries in her face were referred to neighbouring Katni district hospital while 12 were admitted to the community health center, Raipura.

The DFO said a forest team was keeping a close watch on the movement of the leopard.

In the second incident a tribal who was returning home after collecting tendu patta from the nearby jungle was attacked and killed by a tiger.

According to DFO, Panna North NS Yadav, the deceased Betulal, 45, residing at a forest village under Manki forest beat was returning with two other villagers- Gopal and Chhotelal in the evening when the tiger attacked Betulal. On way back Betulal was suddenly attacked by the tiger from behind. The companions shouted for help on which tiger left the spot and disappeared in the jungle. Betulal died on the spot.

The DFO said body of the deceased was handed over to his family after autopsy. A compensation of Rs 4 lakh would be given to the family as per norms. A team would monitor the movement of the tiger.

The DFO said, “To the best of my knowledge it’s first such attack by a tiger in the buffer area of Panna National Park.”