News18
Last Updated:
Tiger probably mistook the victim for four-legged prey when he was crouching to gather tendu leaves.(Representational File Photo)
Villagers have been told not to step into the jungle after sunset. Roads with tiger activity are being closed off.
A 62-year-old man, who ventured into the jungles of Madhya Pradesh to collect tendu leaves, was killed and eaten by a tiger. The incident took place in Obedullaganj area of Raisen district, barely 20km from Bhopal city limits. Local reports suggested that it is the first reported human kill by a tiger in the vicinity of Bhopal in decades.
According to a report in Times of India, forest officers have set up 40 camera traps in the area to track tigers and push them back into the forest if needed.
Villagers have been told not to step into the jungle after sunset. Roads with tiger activity are being closed off, the report further stated.
The incident was reported in Neemkheda Kushiyari region of Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary, in Obedullaganj area of Raisen district.
The report quoted its sources as saying that victim Maniram Jatav, had gone deep into the forest, alone, to collect tendu leaves, disregarding warnings to villagers from forest officials.
TOI further quoted foresters as saying that the tiger probably mistook him for four-legged prey when he was crouching to gather tendu leaves.
His family raised the alarm when he didn’t return home and a search party went looking for him. They found his half-eaten body in some bushes, the report stated.
The autopsy was conducted by a medical team from the district hospital, in the presence of DFO Vijay Kumar and SDO Sudhir Patle on Thursday morning. It confirmed Jatav was killed and eaten by a tiger, the publication mentioned.
Explore in-depth coverage of Lok Sabha Election 2024 Schedule, Voter Turnout, Upcoming Phase And Much More At News18 Website