Bettiah: A 61-year-old villager was mauled to death by a tiger near Kari Khekharia Tola in the Manguraha forest range, adjacent to the Valmiki Tiger Reserve in West Champaran district, late on Wednesday evening. The incident has triggered panic in several villages surrounding the reserve, with locals keeping night vigils out of fear that the tiger may return.
The deceased has been identified as Kishun Mahato, a resident of Khekharia Tola. According to his family, Mahato had taken his buffaloes to graze along the banks of the Pandayi River with other herders on Wednesday afternoon. Around 5 p.m., while returning home, a tiger hiding in the bushes suddenly pounced and dragged him into the forest. Terrified herders rushed back to the village to raise an alarm.
Body Recovered After Search Operation
Forest department officials, assisted by police from Sahodra police station, launched a search after receiving information. Mahato’s body was recovered from the forest around 8 p.m. and later sent to Government Medical College Hospital for postmortem.
Sahodara Police Station Officer Rakesh Kumar confirmed the recovery and said further legal proceedings would follow after receiving an application from the family.
Forest Conservation Assistant Director Dr. Neshamani said that the village headman had informed the department, and a team of officials was immediately dispatched.
Fear of Tiger’s Return
Following the attack, fear has spread across Kari, Khekharia, Mahayogin, Balbal, Sofa, and Vishunpurwa villages. Many villagers worry that the tiger could return to the settlements in search of prey. Residents have begun patrolling at night, armed with sticks and rods, to protect themselves and their livestock.Â
