60-year-old woman killed in ‘animal attack’ near Bhimtal in Uttarakhand

NAINITAL: A 60-year-old woman was killed in a suspected wild animal attack, with her mutilated body recovered from a forest ravine in Bhimtal block of Nainital district, officials said on Tuesday. This is the fourth such death reported from the block in the past two months, heightening concern over human-wildlife conflict in the area.Ganga Devi had gone into the forest to collect fodder for her livestock on Monday, but did not return by evening. Her family alerted villagers and the forest department, following which a search operation was launched.Forest officials said her body was found the next morning in a dense and inaccessible forest patch, around 3 km from her home. The body bore deep wounds and injuries consistent with a predatory animal attack. Locals who reached the site said the pattern of injuries suggested the involvement of a big cat.Range officer Vijay Melkani said, “It is not yet clear whether the attack was by a leopard or a tiger, but it is confirmed to be a wild animal attack.” The body has been sent for post-mortem.The incident has triggered fear and anger among residents, who alleged inadequate preventive measures despite repeated attacks in recent weeks. Villagers demanded increased patrolling, installation of trap cameras and concrete steps to ensure safety in forest fringe areas.Local representative Devendra Chanautia said rising leopard encounters had put lives at risk and called for stronger intervention if the threat continued.Forest officials said cameras were being installed in high-movement zones and locations were being identified for placing cages to capture the animal. Residents have been advised to avoid entering forests alone and to move in groups. As per norms, immediate financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh will be provided to the family.