A 45-year-old fisherman was killed in a tiger attack in the Sundarbans on Tuesday, marking the second such fatal incident in the region within 10 days.
The deceased, identified as Rampada Barman, was a resident of the Choto Mollakhali Kalidaspur area under Gosaba police station area. According to local sources, he had entered the forest with a valid permit along with his companions to catch crabs and fish.
While the group was working in the deep forest, a tiger suddenly pounced on Rampada, leaving him critically injured. The other fishermen reportedly fought back, chased the tiger away, and brought him back to the boat in a severely wounded condition.
He was rushed back to the village for treatment, but he succumbed to his injuries before he could be saved.
After receiving information about the incident, police from the Sundarban Coastal Police Station reached the spot. The body was recovered and sent for post-mortem, which is expected to be conducted on Wednesday.
According to forest department officials, the victim had entered the forest with all necessary documents and permits.
Expressing grief over the incident, district Chief Forest Officer Nisha Goswami said initial findings suggest the fishermen were collecting crabs in accordance with forest department rules when the sudden attack occurred. She added that government compensation for the family would be considered as per existing guidelines and fishermen are being repeatedly advised to follow safety measures while entering the forest.
Tiger attacks are not uncommon in the Sundarbans, where many residents venture into the forest daily in search of livelihood despite the risks. Rampads is survived by his wife and two children. His sudden death has left the family in deep uncertainty, and relatives and neighbours broke down in tears as his body was brought home.
On February 8, another fisherman was killed in a similar attack while catching crabs near Kalas Dwip in the Patharpratima block of South 24 Parganas. According to reports, the tiger dragged him into the forest in front of his wife.
Also read: Sundarbans gets early-warning shield against approaching tigers
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