A person died in a tiger attack in a village near Ranthambore National Park

A recent incident near the Ranthambore National Park has left villagers in shock after a tiger killed a 45-year-old man in Uliyana village near Ranthambore National Park while he was grazing his goats. The attack has raised concerns of human-wildlife conflict and locals have launched protests.

Incident Details

On Saturday, Bharat Lal Meena was grazing his goats in a field close to a water body when he was attacked by a tiger. The sad part is that he died almost instantly. Eyewitnesses said the tiger stayed near the body for about 20 minutes and then disappeared into the nearby forest when the villagers raised an alarm.

Community Response

The attack has sparked outrage among the villagers, leading to a blockade on the Sawai Madhopur-Kundera road. Frustrated by the lack of response from the forest department, residents have demanded immediate action to address the threat posed by the tiger. A senior forest official has confirmed that several tigers live in the area, but the specific animal involved in the attack is yet to be identified whether it was a tiger or some other wild animal.

Government Compensation

In response to protests by villagers, local authorities, including police and forest officials, met with residents to discuss their concerns. Significant compensation was agreed to be given to the bereaved family, including:

- Financial Support: ₹25 lakh (approximately $30,000)

- Employment: A government job for a family member

- Land Allocation: 5 bighas of land

These measures are aimed at providing relief to the family of the victim, who has left behind a wife, two children and an elderly mother.

On- going Concerns

Local resident Ramnarayan said the attack is part of a larger problem as the tiger has been preying on cattle in the area. Despite repeated appeals to the forest department, the situation has not been resolved and the tiger continues to enter populated areas.

Tourist Season and Wildlife Management

The incident, which took place at the start of the tourist season on November 1, highlights the important balance between wildlife conservation and community safety. Ranthambor is currently home to 81 tigers and several other wildlife species. Safaris are organised in various areas of the Ranthambor National Park in morning and evening shifts. But recent incidents have raised questions about wildlife management and human safety in the area around the park.

While officials are working to address the concerns of local residents, the community remains vigilant and hopes for a solution that will protect both human life and the area's rich wildlife heritage.