GUWAHATI: A tigress was pelted with stones and nearly blinded by villagers after it ventured out of the Kamakhya Reserve Forest in Assam’s Jakhalabandha area on Wednesday, November 20. The attack has raised concerns among veterinarians, who fear the animal may be forced to live in captivity for the rest of its life due to the extent of its injuries.
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Ranger Bibhuti Mazumder told GPlus, “The tigress did not attack any villagers or livestock. The area between Kamakhya reserve forest and Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve includes elevated corridors, which lead to frequent movement of animals.
"The presence of the large cat apparently caused fear among the locals, triggering a violent attack with stones and sticks. In an attempt to escape, the tigress jumped into a river.”
After a prolonged rescue effort, forest officials from the Kamakhya reserve forest and KNPTR successfully tranquilised the tigress and transported it to the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) in Kaziranga for treatment.
Media reports quoting CWRC in-charge Bhaskar Choudhury said “It looks like the left eye has been completely damaged. Besides, it has sustained head and internal injuries.”
Following the assault, the forest department filed a complaint against the villagers involved, based on video evidence.
Police are currently working to identify the perpetrators.