A forest worker died while on a routine patrolling operation in Kanha Tiger Reserve after one of the tigers attacked him, officials said Sunday. The incident has received condolences from the forest authorities and the management of the reserves.
A routine monitoring and Wildlife protection exercise by a Patrol team was being carried out in Nakti Ghati Beat area under Kanha range when the incident took place, officials have said. One team was in a forest compartment when they saw a tiger who emerged from the vegetation surrounding them.
Lakhan Singh, 29, an employee in a fire watch position with forest protection duties, was identified as the victim. He died from the attack, he suffered fatal injuries, authorities said.
Based on the information provided, the Forest authorities and officers for the management of forest reserves arrived at the spot. It was secured, then the body was recovered and sent for post mortem examination.
The official added that the patrol team were engaged in routine surveillance work duties that involved keeping watch for the movement of wildlife, and to enhance forest conservation efforts when the incident happened. The circumstances of the incident are being investigated as part of its normal investigation procedures.
The Kanha Tiger Reserve administration decried the demise of the forest worker and condoled with the family. Sufficient assistance and support would be given as per rules and welfare measures.
The incident brings into focus many issues regarding the dangers faced by forest frontliners in protected forest areas while they perform their conservation and protection tasks side by side with wildlife.
More information will be available once the official investigation and the post-mortem process are completed.