Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): In a dramatic encounter in Katni district, a tiger sat under a tree for over two hours, keeping a terrified villager trapped in the branches above.
The incident took place a few days ago in Karela beat of Badwara range, when four villagers had gone into the forest to collect wild vegetables.
According to forest ranger Govind Narayan Shukla, one of the villagers, SheshmaniKewat, climbed a tree in panic after hearing the tiger’s roar, while his three companions fled. In a rare sight, the tiger settled under the same tree, forcing Kewat to stay perched in fear for nearly two hours.
Kewat’s friends later informed forest officials, who rushed to the spot. “We made loud noises and used various means to scare it off,” said Shukla. The tiger eventually left the area, allowing Kewat to safely climb down.
The Badwara range in Katni has high tiger activity, with villagers often encountering the big cats. Forest officials regularly patrol the area, but incidents continue due to its proximity to human settlements and forest dependency of local communities.
Tragic encounter last week
About ten days ago, a villager named Dharmendra Gond from Vijpura hamlet was grazing cattle when a tiger attacked one of the animals. In an attempt to drive the tiger away, Gond approached it and was fatally mauled. The case had sparked concern over safety near forest fringes.
