Tragic Tiger Attack Sparks Violence Against Forest Officials in Ramtek
Nagpur, India: An angry mob attacked a forest team in Ramtek taluka late Tuesday night, injuring five forest guards and vandalizing two vehicles belonging to the Forest Department. This incident followed the tragic death of 65-year-old Nita Buddhu Kumbhare, who was killed by a tiger while working in her field near Zinjiriya village. The attack occurred in the Paoni UC Range of Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR).
Forest officials rushed to the scene after the incident, but the villagers, frustrated by a series of recent tiger attacks, confronted them aggressively. As a result, several forest guards sustained serious and minor injuries. The local police were called in to restore order.
In response to the villagers' anger, a meeting was held early Wednesday morning with senior officials, including the Superintendent of Police and the Deputy Director of PTR, to address their concerns. Officials promised to take action to resolve the issues raised by the community.
To assist Kumbhare's family, the Forest Department provided immediate financial aid of ₹5 lakh and began the process of additional compensation. Forest personnel, along with the Primary Response Team (PRT), are now conducting continuous patrols to prevent further incidents.
Dr. Prabhunath Shukla, Deputy Director of PTR, reported that this was the fifth tiger attack in Ramtek taluka in recent months, with two occurring in the same forest area. Measures to capture the tiger are in progress, including the installation of camera traps and watchtowers. Villagers have been advised to exercise caution. The operation has received support from local Revenue and Police Departments as well as public representatives.
