A 75-year-old farmer was tragically mauled to death by a tiger in the buffer zone of the Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve in Chandrapur district during the early hours of Saturday. This incident marks the third fatality due to predator attacks reported in Chandrapur district so far this year, with two involving tigers and one attributed to a leopard.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The victim, identified as Uddhav Warlu Mohurle, had ventured to his farmland near the Chandrapur (buffer) forest range before dawn. According to forest officials, he was heading towards compartment number 586 of the Chorgaon reserved forest to answer nature's call when the tiger attacked him around 4:30 am, resulting in his immediate death at the scene.
Immediate Response and Relief Measures
Villagers promptly alerted the forest department following the attack. Senior officials and frontline staff quickly arrived at the location and initiated standard response protocols. The forest department has provided an immediate interim relief of 50,000 rupees to Mohurle's bereaved family. Officials have stated that further compensation will be processed in accordance with standard norms.
Heightened Alert and Safety Advisories
Authorities have issued an alert across nearby villages and increased patrolling in the buffer area to prevent further such incidents. Residents have been strongly advised to avoid venturing into forested patches, particularly during the early morning and late evening hours when wildlife activity is typically higher.
Escalating Wildlife Conflict in Chandrapur
This tragic event underscores the escalating risks faced by communities living near forest areas in Chandrapur district. In 2025 alone, wildlife attacks have claimed 47 lives in the district, with tigers being responsible for 42 of these deaths. Leopards have claimed three lives, while one death each was caused by bear and elephant attacks. Comparatively, in 2024, there were 29 incidents of deaths due to wildlife attacks in the district, indicating a concerning upward trend in human-wildlife conflicts.
