A 46-year-old man was killed by a tiger after allegedly entering the restricted core area of Pench Tiger Reserve in Chhindwara district with relatives to collect forest produce, prompting forest officials to renew warnings against unauthorised access to tiger habitats.
The incident took place on October 17 in the Chandiyakasa beat of the Gumtra game range in the Mando Kassa area. The deceased, identified as Vijay, son of Phool Singh, was a resident of Gumtra village, according to the forest department.
Officials said Vijay and his relatives bypassed barriers intended to prevent entry into the protected area. The group allegedly jumped over a wall before entering the reserve’s core zone. Vijay was attacked in an area where officials said around four adult tigers move through the range.
Forest officials received information about the incident at around 3 pm and reached the location, where they confirmed the death. The Chaurai sub-divisional magistrate, assistant conservator of forests, tehsildar and police sub-divisional officer, along with forest and police personnel, subsequently visited the site.
Bichhua police registered a case of unnatural death and began legal proceedings. Vijay’s body was taken to the Community Health Centre in Bichhua for a post-mortem examination and was later handed over to his family.
The forest department said villagers had been repeatedly warned not to enter the area because of the presence of tigers. It appealed to residents not to breach barriers or other security measures and not to enter the reserve’s core area without authorisation, whether to collect forest produce or for any other purpose.
The incident highlights the immediate safety risks that arise when residents enter protected forest areas that are not open for unauthorised access. It also places renewed focus on how access restrictions are enforced around villages adjoining tiger reserves, particularly where residents continue to seek forest produce.
The department said further action would be taken according to rules. Officials also reiterated that unauthorised entry into stretches frequented by tigers could lead to human-wildlife conflict.
