Bhandara: The half-eaten body of a farmer, killed in a suspected tiger attack, was discovered in a field near a village in Bhandara district on Monday morning, sparking protests from local villagers. The deceased, identified as 40-year-old Dakram Gopichand Deshmukh, a resident of Khairi/Pat village in Lakhandur tehsil, was reported missing earlier, prompting a search by his family and authorities.
Deshmukh’s family informed the Lakhandur police and the forest department, which led to a search operation. His body was found in a field, and officials confirmed that tiger paw marks were discovered near the scene, supporting the theory of a tiger attack.
Angry villagers gathered outside the local forest department office, demanding immediate action to capture the tiger responsible and compensation for Deshmukh’s family. The villagers also urged the authorities to set up cages to trap the tiger and prevent further attacks. In the past month, several tiger sightings and incidents involving cattle killings were reported in villages including Gavarala, Dambavirli, and Khairi/Pat, raising concerns about the safety of locals.
In the wake of the attack, the forest department had stepped up patrolling and advised residents to avoid venturing out at night, following the tiger’s repeated cattle kills at multiple locations.
Upon hearing about the tragic incident, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Rahul Gawai, a promotee INdian Forest Service (IFS) officer of 2021 batch, and other officials rushed to the scene, alongside a police team led by Sectional Police Officer Manoj Sidam and Inspector Sachin Pawar.
In a gesture of support, Congress MLA Nana Patole visited the family of the deceased in Khairi/Pat village, offering condolences and directing the forest department to take swift action to capture the tiger. The forest department has announced that a cheque for Rs 10 lakh has been handed over to the family, with an additional Rs 15 lakh to be provided in the next phase. Assistant Forest Conservator (ACF) Sanjay Mendhe stated that trap cameras have been installed, and a special team is working to capture the tiger by tranquillizing it.
The tragic death of Deshmukh has further heightened concerns over human-wildlife conflict in the region, with authorities under pressure to ensure both the safety of residents and the welfare of wildlife.
