Bandhavgarh range officer honoured for bravery after Tiger attack

Bhopal: A forest range officer posted in the buffer zone of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve has been awarded a commendation and cash reward of Rs 25,000 for displaying courage and leadership during a tense human-wildlife conflict incident in which a woman was killed and another person critically injured.

The incident took place between 2.30 am and 3 am on May 24 in Kherwa Tola village of the Panpatha Buffer Zone when a tiger entered a house, killing a woman and severely injuring another resident. Patour Range Officer Anju Verma rushed to the spot with her staff to shift the injured to hospital and assist in efforts to rescue the tiger trapped inside the house.

Officials said the situation turned volatile as a large crowd of villagers gathered and tensions escalated. Enraged residents attacked forest staff with sticks and stones, injuring several personnel and forcing them to retreat. Amid the unrest, Verma was reportedly surrounded and held captive by villagers for nearly four to five hours, during which she allegedly faced abuse and assault.

Despite the hostile conditions, officials said Verma continued engaging with villagers, helping calm tempers and maintain coordination between the administration and local residents while also managing the tiger-related emergency.

In recognition of her “courage, sustained dialogue with villagers, dedication to duty and leadership,” the Field Director of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve honoured Verma with a commendation award. A 2016-batch range officer, she has previously served in Khawasa Range in Seoni and Shahgarh Range in Sagar before her current posting in Patour Range.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Bakrid wishes, messages and eid 2026