Elderly Woman Found Dead in Tiger Attack in Chandrapur Forest
In a tragic incident, an elderly woman who had been missing for two days was discovered dead in the Padmapur forest beat of the south Brahmapuri Forest Range on Friday morning. Forest officials have confirmed that the death resulted from a tiger attack, highlighting ongoing human-wildlife conflicts in the region.
Details of the Incident
The deceased has been identified as Yamuna Madavi, a resident of Padmapur village. According to reports, she left her home on Wednesday morning to collect broom grass from a nearby forest area. When she failed to return by late evening, concerns grew, and she remained untraceable for over a day.
On Friday around 8 a.m., her mutilated body was found in compartment No. 1156 of the protected forest area under the Padmapur beat. Officials and staff from the Brahmapuri forest division promptly prepared a preliminary inquiry report and sent the body to the rural hospital for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Response from Authorities
The forest department has taken immediate action by providing financial assistance of Rs 2.25 lakh to the victim's family to help them cope with the loss. In addition, authorities have announced that patrolling will be increased in the area to prevent further incidents. Residents have been advised to remain alert and exercise caution when venturing into forested zones.
Wildlife Attack Statistics in Chandrapur
This incident adds to a concerning trend of wildlife attacks in Chandrapur district. According to official records, four people have lost their lives in such attacks so far this year, with three fatalities attributed to tigers and one to a leopard.
Looking back at 2025, the district recorded a total of 47 deaths linked to wildlife incidents. The breakdown includes:
- 42 deaths caused by tiger attacks
- 3 deaths due to leopard attacks
- 1 death each from bear and elephant attacks
These statistics underscore the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and community awareness to mitigate risks in areas prone to human-wildlife conflicts.
