A 29-year-old forest fire safety worker lost his life after a suspected tiger attack during a routine patrol inside Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh’s Mandla district on Sunday morning, forest officials said.
The incident occurred just days after a 55-year-old woman was reportedly killed in a suspected tiger attack in the Panpatha core zone of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Umaria district. The two incidents have once again highlighted the challenges and risks faced by people working and living in areas close to tiger habitats.
According to officials, a forest patrol team was conducting its regular morning monitoring exercise in the Ghanghar Nala area near a forest camp located in compartment number 136 of the Nakti Ghati beat under the Kanha range. During the patrol, one of the team members, Lakhan Singh, reportedly lagged behind while moving through the dense forest terrain.
Officials stated that moments later, a tiger allegedly emerged from the surrounding vegetation and attacked him. The incident happened so suddenly that other members of the patrol team had little opportunity to react or provide assistance.
The victim was identified as Lakhan Singh, son of Budh Singh and a resident of Aamgahan village in Balaghat district. He died at the spot due to the injuries sustained in the attack.
After receiving information about the incident, senior forest officials rushed to the location and initiated the necessary procedures. The deceased’s family was informed, and the body was sent for postmortem examination. Legal formalities related to the case are currently underway.
Authorities said that immediate financial assistance has been provided to the victim’s family. Additional compensation will be released in accordance with government rules and established compensation guidelines.
Expressing condolences over the tragic loss, the Kanha National Park administration said Lakhan Singh was performing intensive patrolling duties in a challenging forest environment inhabited by dangerous wild animals when the incident occurred.
Forest officials paid tribute to his dedication and service, noting that frontline forest workers play a crucial role in wildlife protection, fire prevention, and habitat conservation across the reserve.
“The entire Kanha management is deeply saddened by the loss,” reserve officials said while extending their sympathies to the bereaved family.
The incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by forest staff who work daily in remote wilderness areas to protect wildlife and maintain the ecological integrity of India’s protected forests.
