Daijiworld Media Network - Bhopal

Bhopal, May 24: A tragic tiger attack in Madhya Pradesh’s Umaria district near the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve has left a woman dead and three members of her family critically injured, triggering panic in the local village area.

The incident occurred late Sunday night in Kherwa Tola village under the Panpatha zone, when a tiger reportedly entered a residential house and attacked a woman identified as Phool Bai while she was sleeping, killing her on the spot.

Hearing her screams, her husband, father, and father-in-law rushed to rescue her but were also attacked by the big cat, sustaining serious injuries. All three injured individuals are currently receiving medical treatment.

The sudden attack caused widespread fear among residents in the village, which lies within a forested buffer zone close to the protected reserve area.

State Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed condolences over the incident and announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh for the family of the deceased, along with free medical treatment for the injured.

Officials said forest department teams have been instructed to step up patrolling and intensify safety measures in and around villages bordering the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, which is known for its high tiger population and attracts tourists from across the world.

The incident has once again highlighted the challenges of human-wildlife conflict in areas surrounding protected forests, where conservation efforts and local safety concerns often intersect.