Sidhi (Madhya Pradesh): A wild bear mauled three villagers to death and four critically injured near Sanjay Tiger Reserve on Monday.
The attack took place in the Dalit settlement of Gram Panchayat Bastiua. According to local sources, around 5 am, a bear attacked Babbu Yadav (80). Hearing the screams of the elderly, Deenbandhu Sahu (70), Manish Sahu (27) and Santosh Yadav (43) rushed to aid him only to be attacked by the same bear.
Babbu and Deenbandhu died on the spot. Seriously injured Santosh Yadav, Manish Sahu, Tejbali Singh and two others were rushed to the Primary Health Center, where Santosh succumbed to his injuries. A buffalo grazing in the area was also injured in the bear attack.
Demand for increased patrolling from the Forest Department
Following the commotion and chaos, more villagers rushed to the scene. Enraged by the deaths, they surrounded the bear and beat it to death with sticks. The animal died on the spot.
Madwas police station in-charge Bhupesh Bais said, "Forest department is investigating the matter. Villagers have been appealed not to go alone in the forest. This area is active with wildlife, so it is important to be cautious."
Recent wild animal attacks in the area raised serious concerns about public safety and the villagers have demanded increased patrolling from the Forest Department.
