Bengal tiger kills forest guard in Orang; blank cartridges are used to scare away predator and recover body

Mangaldoi, August 29: In a tragic incident that highlights the growing man-wildlife conflict in Assam, a Bengal tiger killed a home guard serving as a forest guard in Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve on Wednesday evening.

The deceased, identified as Dhanmoni Deka, a resident of Dipila-Hatimara in Darrang district, was on foot patrol along with another forest official in the Bilpar anti-forest camp area when the attack took place.

According to reports, the tiger attacked Deka from behind, overpowered him and dragged him into the dense forest. His colleague could not intervene in time.

Following the incident, park authorities immediately launched a search operation and deployed elephants to find Deka.

Four hours later, the tiger was found about a kilometer away, holding Deka's body in its mouth.

Authorities fired several blank cartridges, after which the tiger left the area and they were able to recover Deka's body.

Pradipta Baruah, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) and Field Director of the National Park and Tiger Project, said The Assam Tribune that Deka has been a committed and courageous member of the park’s staff since 2014.

He played a significant role in the capture of a stray Bengal tiger in Dhing in Nagaon district earlier this year.

Baruah confirmed that Deka's family would receive compensation as per government guidelines.

Deka's body was taken to Mangaldai Civil Hospital for autopsy before being handed over to his family.