Tiger Attack Sparks Outrage in Ramtek; Forest Department on High Alert
Nagpur, India: The Nagpur Forest Department is on high alert following the death of a 65-year-old woman, Nita Buddhu Kumbhare, who was killed in a tiger attack three days ago in Ramtek taluka. The incident occurred in the Paoni UC Range of the Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR), sparking fear and anger among local villagers.
Frustrated by frequent tiger attacks in recent months, villagers attacked forest staff after the incident, injuring several guards. In response, the Forest Department has deployed a team of 100-150 personnel, including the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) and the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), to capture the tiger and maintain peace in the area.
Dr. Prabhu Nath Shukla, Deputy Director of Pench Tiger Reserve, confirmed that the department has set up camera traps, cages, and other equipment to capture the tiger. Permission to proceed with the capture has been granted by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF). Dr. Shukla also revealed the presence of another tiger in the area, which recently killed cattle near the same spot where Kumbhare was attacked.
In a first for the reserve, the Forest Department plans to use elephants for patrolling and rescue operations. "We have moved our elephants to the incident site and will deploy them once we locate the tiger," Dr. Shukla said.
Meanwhile, another tiger in Parsheoni taluka has been causing concern, injuring a man and killing cattle. A separate forest team is conducting patrols in that area.
Tensions remain high in the affected villages, with villagers demanding the immediate capture of the tigers. The Forest Department is in constant talks with the local community to address their concerns. Dr. Shukla also mentioned that the injured forest guards are receiving treatment and that an FIR will be filed against the villagers responsible for attacking the guards and damaging forest vehicles.
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