Madhya Pradesh Woman Dies in Tiger Attack Near Kanha National Park

A 30-year-old woman died after being attacked by a tiger in Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat district in the early hours of Sunday, officials said. The incident has brought focus on the growing instances of human-wildlife conflict in areas surrounding the Kanha Tiger Reserve.

The victim, identified as Sugni Bai Dhurve, was sleeping in a hut at Parrapur Baigatola village under the Khapa range of Kanha National Park when a tiger entered the village around 1:30 am, according to villagers. The big cat grabbed her by the head and dragged her away, they said.

Hearing the family's cries for help, neighbours rushed to the spot with torches. The tiger reportedly dragged the woman for about 300 metres before releasing her and disappearing into the forest. Dhurve had sustained grievous head injuries and was taken to a hospital in Baihar, where she succumbed, Block Medical Officer Dr Anant Lilhare said.

Confirming the incident, Assistant Director of the Sijhora Buffer Zone, Ashish Pandey, said a detailed report would be prepared after an inquiry. Police have registered a case of accidental death and further investigation is underway.

The village, located about 80 kilometres from the district headquarters, has witnessed repeated instances of tigers and leopards straying into human settlements in recent months, forest officials said. In response, the forest department announced that it would install a cage in the area and intensify patrolling. Residents have been urged to keep their house doors shut at night, avoid venturing into the forest, and not leave children and elderly persons unattended.

Officials said the victim's family would be provided financial assistance in accordance with government norms. However, local representatives pointed out that Dhurve's family lives in a hut without a door, and alleged that they have not received benefits from a central government scheme designed for the socio-economic development of the most backward and vulnerable tribal groups. The lack of basic amenities, they argue, compounds the risks faced by these communities living on the edge of forests.

Kanha National Park, one of India's premier tiger reserves, is home to a significant population of Bengal tigers. The park sprawls across the Mandla and Balaghat districts and is surrounded by numerous villages inhabited by tribal communities. Encounters between wildlife and humans have increased in recent years, often due to habitat fragmentation and the growing dependence of local communities on forest resources.

In recent years, the government has introduced several measures to address human-wildlife conflict, including compensation for loss of life and property, and the installation of barricades and solar fences. The effectiveness of these measures, however, remains a topic of debate among experts and local leaders. In this case, the district administration has assured that all possible support will be extended to the bereaved family.

The tragedy underscores the complex challenge of conserving wildlife while ensuring the safety and well-being of people who live in close proximity to protected areas. Conservationists emphasise the need for a multi-pronged approach, including better fencing, early warning systems, and community awareness programmes. Officials have sought cooperation from villagers and urged them to report any sightings of wild animals to the forest department immediately.

Meanwhile, the forest department has asked people to remain vigilant and follow safety advisories. The area has been put under increased surveillance, and teams have been deployed to track the movement of the tiger. Further details of the incident are awaited as the inquiry progresses.