A 70-year-old man was killed in a tiger attack in Madhya Pradesh’s Seoni district, sparking outrage among villagers, who assaulted forest officials and vandalized government vehicles, officials reported on Friday.
The victim, Tulsiram Bhalavi, was returning home from the Bawli Tola forest area after grazing his cattle when the attack occurred on Thursday evening. A tiger ambushed him near a farm, killing him on the spot, according to Seoni sub-divisional forest officer (SDO) Yugesh Patel.
Patel stated that Tulsiram’s body was later recovered from the Pindari beat area. Following the tragic incident, tensions flared among residents, leading to an attack on two forest officials—ranger Ghanshyam Chaturvedi and deputy ranger Sanjay Khuntapalle. Both officials sustained injuries in the assault, and their vehicles were also vandalized by the angry mob.
The injured forest officials are currently receiving medical treatment, while authorities have taken action against the attackers. Superintendent of Police (SP) Sunil Kumar Mehta confirmed that a case has been registered against 11 identified individuals and several unidentified others for rioting, obstructing government work, and damaging public property.
The police are investigating the matter, and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in the violence.
In response to the tragic death, the family of the deceased has been provided financial assistance of ₹10 lakh, Patel said. The forest department is also taking measures to ensure the safety of villagers in the area and prevent further incidents.
This incident has once again highlighted the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in regions bordering forests in Madhya Pradesh. Authorities have urged villagers to exercise caution and avoid venturing into forested areas, especially during high-risk periods when tiger activity may increase.
Meanwhile, forest officials emphasized the need for coexistence and awareness to mitigate the risks associated with living near wildlife habitats. Steps are being planned to increase patrolling and community outreach programs to address villagers’ concerns and ensure their safety.
As investigations continue, officials are also evaluating the possibility of relocating the problematic tiger to a safer zone to avoid future conflicts, while emphasizing the importance of preserving wildlife in its natural habitat.