Bettiah: A tiger strayed out of the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) forest and attacked a cow in Bhawanipur village, located in the Gaunaha police station area in West Champaran district. The incident has left villagers in panic, with many confining themselves to their homes out of fear.
According to Forest Conservator and Director Neshamani K, the tiger left the forest and hunted a cow in the village. Forest department officials have reached the site and are tracking the tiger using its pug marks. Efforts are underway to guide the animal back to the forest.
Rajkumar Sah, the victim and resident of Bhawanipur, reported that the tiger entered his house through the road, killed his pregnant cow, and dragged it to a nearby sugarcane field to consume it. The loss has left him distressed, and forest officials have advised him to submit a formal application to initiate the compensation process.
Ranger Sunil Kumar Pathak confirmed that compensation will be provided following an investigation into the incident. He added that the forest department team is actively monitoring the situation and has urged residents to remain vigilant.
Villagers from Bhawanipur and nearby areas are gripped with fear due to the tiger’s presence in residential areas. “People are scared and are staying indoors,” said a local resident.
Forest Conservator Neshamani K stated that the tiger is believed to have wandered into the village after losing its way from the forest. The department is working to ensure its safe return, while police are keeping a close watch on the situation. Villagers have been advised to stay alert and report any tiger sightings to authorities immediately.
