Tiger terror: First report of attack comes in since sighting of feline

Kolkata: Almost two weeks after a Royal Bengal Tiger was first spotted at Madhupur forest in Jhargram, a tribal youth on Sunday claimed to have been attacked by a tiger inside Kushkatri jungle of Goyaltore in West Midnapore which is around 45 km away from the spot where the animal was caught on camera.

The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday morning when a group of around 10-12 people including the victim, Joyram Soren were going into the Kushkatri forest to collect some minor forest produce. His fellow companions told the forest department officials that the tiger suddenly attacked Soren who was lagging behind. He suffered injuries on various parts of his body.

Alerted by the screams of the victim, the others rushed to the spot and saw the tiger fleeing the spot.

The victim was profusely bleeding from his hands. He was rushed to a primary health centre at Goyaltore and later shifted to Midnapore Medical College and Hospital for treatment. After being informed, senior forest department officials rushed to the spot and started an investigation in this regard. A drone camera has been used to identify the location of the tiger. The forest department officials are yet to find any trace of the tiger. Forest department officials spotted some fresh pugmarks in Goyaltore on Sunday and the incident makes them believe that a tiger might have been roaming free inside the jungle.

In another development, another fresh pugmark was detected inside Pithbakra jungle in Bankura's Simlipal. It was learnt that a drone on Saturday confirmed the presence of a tiger inside the forest but it could not be captured.

People living near the forest are asked not to venture into the forest.

An extensive search was carried out on Sunday but the tiger could be captured.

The forest department officials are confused as how many tigers are roaming free in the forest areas of Jhargram, West Midnaporee and Bankura.

Nearly two weeks after a tiger was first spotted inside Madhupur forest in Jhargram, the forest department officials are yet to get any major breakthrough.

Cameras were put up on tree trunks and at various other strategic locations inside the core forest areas of Jhargram.

The incident occurred after some villagers saw pugmarks and alerted the local administration. Wildlife experts examined the marks and the pictures were sent to the city for examination.

Initially, the forest department officials suspected a hyena or a leopard, but it was found to be a full grown tiger.

Following the incident, forest department officials set up cage traps in various parts of the three districts but are yet to capture the tiger.