Fatal Tiger Attack in Uttarakhand: Woman Killed While Collecting Fodder Near Kalagarh Tiger Reserve

Further probe is underway. (Representational)

Kotdwar:

A woman was fatally attacked by a tiger while gathering fodder near her residence in a village within the Kalagarh Tiger Reserve area of Uttarakhand's Pauri Garhwal district, according to police reports on Saturday.

After receiving notification of the incident, Forest Department officials and local MLA Dilip Rawat promptly arrived at the scene.

The tragic event occurred Friday evening around 5 pm in the Rikhanikhal block of the district. Urmila Devi was collecting fodder for her livestock alongside her daughter-in-law, Priya, when the incident happened.

Priya had returned to their home upon hearing her child crying, while Urmila Devi remained to continue collecting fodder leaves. When Urmila failed to return after some time, her concerned daughter-in-law went searching for her.

After looking around the area, Priya discovered her mother-in-law in bushes near the field. Urmila's body was found with a large cat sitting nearby, police reported.

Villagers rushed to the location upon hearing Priya's screams, causing the big cat to retreat back into the forest.

In conversation with PTI, local legislator Dilip Rawat stated, "The district is gripped by the terror of tigers, leopards, and bears." Expressing deep regret about the incident, he warned that if the government does not implement concrete measures to prevent wild animal attacks, he would resign from his position.

The MLA has called for forest laws to be relaxed in accordance with the geographical conditions of both the area and the state.

Tarun S., Divisional Forest Officer of Kalagarh Tiger Reserve, confirmed his presence at the scene. He noted that witnesses had reported seeing a large animal, but it remains unconfirmed whether it was a leopard or tiger.

An investigation into the incident is currently ongoing.