A tragic incident in the Nilgiris district has highlighted the growing danger of human-wildlife conflict, as a woman was killed by a stray Indian gaur on Saturday morning.
Fatal Attack Outside Home
The victim has been identified as V Malarkodi, a 45-year-old resident of Kodhumudi village. The village is located within the Ooty north range and falls under the Nilgiris forest division. According to forest officials, the attack occurred around 7 am on Saturday when Malarkodi was outside her house.
The stray Indian gaur suddenly charged at her, throwing her violently to the ground. Her screams alerted family members and other villagers, who rushed to the scene. Unfortunately, they found Malarkodi dead from the injuries sustained in the attack.
Official Response and Compensation
Forest department officials were immediately informed and arrived at the location. They transported the victim's body to the Ooty Government Medical College and Hospital for a postmortem examination.
In an initial response to support the grieving family, the forest department provided a compensation of Rs 50,000. Following the incident, field staff from the department managed to drive the gaur back into the nearby forest area to prevent further danger.
Rising Conflict in Nilgiris
This fatal encounter is not an isolated event. Forest officials note that incidents of Indian gaurs entering human settlements have become increasingly common in the region. These large wild animals are frequently seen straying into residential areas of major hill towns like Ooty, Coonoor, and Kotagiri, as well as numerous villages across the Nilgiris district.
The recurring pattern of wildlife intrusion poses a significant safety threat to local communities and underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions to manage the interface between forest habitats and residential zones.
