Bihar tiger attack: Farmer killed, villagers assault forest staff in protest

Tragedy struck near Bihar's Valmiki Tiger Reserve on Saturday when a 45-year-old farmer, Vijay Haldar, was killed by a tiger while working in an agricultural field adjacent to the reserve. The incident, which occurred in the Bangali Tola area, has ignited anger and led to violent protests by local villagers.

Following the news of Haldar's death, a large group of villagers gathered at Bherihari Chowk, blocking the Valmikinagar-Madanpur state highway. They placed the farmer's body on the road, protesting the recurring man-animal conflicts in the region. The situation escalated when forest personnel and police arrived at the scene. Agitated villagers confronted the officials, leading to a melee where foresters and a policeman were injured.

Video footage captured the chaotic scene, showing villagers chasing forest staff and damaging a forest department vehicle, overturning it. The unrest continued for about 20 minutes before reinforcements arrived, led by the Bagaha sub-divisional magistrate and SDPO, who managed to restore order.

This incident marks the third human casualty linked to man-animal conflict in the West Champaran district in recent weeks. Previously, a 45-year-old woman was killed by a tiger on July 31, and a 60-year-old farmer died from injuries sustained in a tiger attack on July 30. The reserve has also seen incidents involving other wildlife, including a crocodile attack that claimed a farmer's life, underscoring the increasing threat to people living near forest fringes.

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Soon after the incident, a team of forest personnel reached the spot and recovered the body.