Wild Boar Attack Claims Life of 70-Year-Old Farmer in Surat, Compensation Announced
A tragic incident unfolded on Thursday afternoon near Bodhan village in Surat district, where a 70-year-old farmer was killed in a wild boar attack. The deceased, identified as Gambhirsinh Jadav, was found on his farm by locals, who initially suspected a leopard attack and promptly alerted the forest department.
Initial Confusion and Forensic Investigation
Upon arrival, forest officials and doctors conducted a preliminary postmortem, which revealed that the victim was not attacked by a leopard but by a wild boar. "It initially appeared to be a leopard attack, but there were no bite marks and no leopard pugmarks. The injury marks and hoof prints matched a wild boar," explained a forest official. The body, covered in blood, was sent for a detailed postmortem to ascertain the exact cause of death.
Details of the Fatal Encounter
Jadav had gone to water his field, and it is suspected that he was attacked while attempting to chase away the boar. Doctors noted that the boar likely struck Jadav multiple times with its tusks and head, causing severe injuries. Most of the major wounds were concentrated below the waist, a pattern consistent with wild boar attacks. Additionally, there were tusk injuries on Jadav's lower back, suggesting the animal may have flung him into the air. Upon falling, he sustained further injuries to his back and head, leading to heavy bleeding and eventual death. The attack is believed to have occurred between 1 PM and 2 PM.
Compensation and Family Background
In accordance with legal provisions, the forest department has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for Jadav's family. His family members informed officials that Jadav had a history of chasing away wild boars that damaged his crops. The field, which was open and lacked a fence, was intended for sugarcane cultivation, his usual crop. Wild boars are common in South Gujarat and frequently cause damage to crops such as vegetables and sugarcane.
Broader Implications of Human-Wildlife Conflict
This incident highlights the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in the region, where farmers often face threats from wild animals encroaching on agricultural land. The absence of protective measures, such as fencing, exacerbates these risks. Authorities are urged to implement strategies to mitigate such conflicts and ensure the safety of rural communities.
