JAIPUR: Enraged villagers killed a 10-year-old male tiger, which on Saturday had mauled a 45-year-old man of Uliyana village to death near Ranthambore National Park (RNP).
They attacked the tiger, identified as T-86, with stones and axes. TOI could not verify if the tiger was killed on Saturday or Sunday. The forest department neither recovered the tiger’s body nor issued any statement till late evening.
TOI tried to contact Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) and field director of Ranthambore Tiger Project Anoop KR Thrissur, and other senior officials for information about the incident leading to the tiger’s death but did not get any response.
A retired forest official said the incident reflects serious gaps in monitoring by the local forest administration.
“For the past one year, tiger monitoring in Ranthambore has significantly deteriorated. For instance, a small temple at Keechda has encroached upon a large area of forest land, attracting thousands of villagers.
Conflicts will inevitably occur if people enter the tiger terri tory unchecked,” he said preferring anonymity.
Experts expressed concern that with such incidents, tiger lynching may become a trend in the state and urged the forest department to take preventive measures.
‘Tiger found at same spot where man was killed’Conservation biologist Dharmendra Khandal of Tiger Watch said, “It’s a dark day in the history of tiger conservation. Such mob retaliation has not been reported in Ranthambore in the past.”
Underscoring the need to secure tiger habitats from human habitation, Abhishek Chaudhary said, “Most tigers live on the periphery of Ranthambore. To avoid human-animal conflict, villages should be relocated, and corridors and inviolate spaces should be created.”
A senior forest official familiar with the incident said, “The tiger, responsible for killing the man on Saturday, was subsequently killed by villagers. It’s possible that the man provoked the tiger which retaliated and killed him. The tiger was found at the same location where the man was killed on Saturday.”
Meanwhile, the villagers ended a 22-hour protest following the tiger attack. They had blocked the road, placing the body on a tractor-trolley. The protest ended after agriculture minister Kirori Lal Meena mediated over the demands of the villagers.
On Sunday morning, the villagers began from Uliyana with the deceased’s body for a protest at Ganesh Dham, Ranthambore’s entry gate.
Police intercepted them at Jamoolkheda turn, about 2.5 km from Ganesh Dham, where the villagers staged a sit-in, causing traffic jam.
Forest officials and police from Kotwali and Kundera stations arrived at the scene and tried to negotiate.
Meena also arrived at the site and tried to convince the villagers to end their protest.
An official said, “The deceased’s family initially demanded Rs 50 lakh in compensation but agreed to Rs 15 lakh. Additionally, the district collector will send a proposal to the govt regarding the remaining Rs 35 lakh, five bigha of land, and action against the CCF and divisional forest officer. The forest department will also provide employment as a nature guide to a dependent of the deceased.”
A source said the villagers have also demanded not to take action against anyone of them for killing the animal.
Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.