Tragic Bison Attack Claims Two Lives in Latehar Forest
In a tragic wildlife encounter, two women lost their lives and another sustained injuries after being attacked by a bison, also known as a gaur, in a forest under Barwadeeh block in Latehar district. The incident occurred on Monday, with officials confirming the details on Tuesday.
Victims Identified in Fatal Incident
The deceased have been identified as Shila Maniya Devi, 64, a resident of Morwai Kala village, and Shanti Devi, 54, from Morwai Khurd. The injured woman, Chhato Devi, was promptly admitted to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) in Daltonganj. Medical authorities report that her condition is currently stable and she is under observation.
Details of the Attack Emerge
According to Barwadeeh range officer Ajay Toppo, the three women had ventured into the forest to collect mahua fruits, a common seasonal activity in the region. Chhato Devi, who hails from Lat village, had brought village dogs along for the excursion. "When they encountered a group of four bison in the forest, the dogs began barking incessantly, causing three of the animals to disperse. However, a male adult gaur turned aggressive and attacked Chhato," Toppo explained.
Officials further revealed that after attacking Chhato, the bison proceeded to assault the other two women at a location known as Teenphatiya. Shanti Devi succumbed to her injuries at the scene, but her body was only discovered on Tuesday. Shila Maniya Devi initially returned home without apparent major injuries but tragically passed away during the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday.
"She must have sustained internal injuries either during the gaur attack or while fleeing, as she reportedly fell twice during the escape," a source familiar with the incident stated, citing accounts from local villagers.
Authorities Launch Investigation
Field director of Palamu Tiger Reserve, S R Natesha, confirmed that an investigation into the incident is underway. "We are probing the incident thoroughly to understand the circumstances and prevent such tragedies in the future," Natesha emphasized.
Meanwhile, Anurag, the officer in-charge of Barwadeeh police station, reported that post-mortem examinations for both victims were conducted at Sadar hospital in Latehar on Tuesday as part of standard procedural requirements.
Conservation Context of Gaurs
Gaurs, the species involved in this attack, are large wild cattle native to South and Southeast Asia. In the Palamu region, their population is estimated to be less than 100 individuals, with most sightings occurring within Betla National Park under the jurisdiction of the Palamu Tiger Reserve. These animals are generally shy but can become aggressive when provoked or during mating seasons, posing risks to humans who venture into their habitat.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of human-wildlife conflict in forested regions where communities depend on natural resources for livelihood activities like mahua collection. Authorities continue to monitor the situation while providing necessary medical care to the injured survivor.
