Patna: A 45-year-old farmer was killed in a tiger attack in Bihar’s Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) on Saturday, triggering protests by villagers and disrupting traffic on the Valmikinagar-Bagaha main road.

The deceased, identified as Vijay Haldar, was working in his field near Dakshin Tola, close to Bhedihari Chowk, around 11 a.m. when a tiger emerged from the forest and attacked him. He died at the spot.

Villagers block road after farmer’s death

Following the attack, a large number of villagers gathered at the site and accused the Forest Department of failing to take adequate safety measures despite alleged tiger movement near the settlement in recent days.

Protesters placed Haldar’s body on the Valmikinagar-Bagaha road, bringing traffic to a standstill and causing long queues of vehicles.

The situation escalated during the protest, with villagers allegedly overturning a Forest Department vehicle and assaulting a forest guard.

Officials reach spot, assure compensation

After receiving information, SDM Chandni Kumari, SDPO Nihar Bhushan and SSB Assistant Commandant Awadhesh Kumar reached the spot along with police and armed personnel. Teams from Valmikinagar, Naurangia and Laukeriya police stations were also deployed.

Officials held talks with the protesters and assured them that their demands would be considered. The Forest Department also assured the family of compensation under government rules and said steps would be initiated to provide employment to a family member.

Following the assurances, villagers lifted the road blockade.

Tiger tracking operation underway

Valmikinagar Ranger Satyam Kumar said the deceased’s family would receive compensation as per government provisions. He added that the process for providing employment to a family member would also be initiated.

Forest personnel have launched a combing operation to track the tiger and are monitoring its movements to prevent further attacks.

Recent tiger attacks raise concern

Haldar’s death has intensified concerns among people living around the tiger reserve.

Around 15 days ago, a tiger reportedly attacked 62-year-old farmer Aklu Yadav while he was grazing goats. He suffered serious injuries and later died during treatment.

Earlier, a woman working in a paddy field in Naurangia village, adjacent to the reserve, was also killed in a tiger attack.