MUTILATED body parts of a missing man were found at Tikadi ghat in Pench Tiger Reserve. In prima facie of the investigation, forest department has expected that the man was killed by a tiger. The deceased has been identified as Kamal Uikey (43), son of Raoji Uikey, a resident of Tikadi Mal, Kurai in Seoni district. According to the Pench Tiger Reserve administration, the family members of Kamal Uikey, a resident of Tikadi village in Seoni district, informed that Kamal had been missing since the evening of January 4.

 

The family expressed apprehension that he might have entered the core area along the banks of the Pench River passing through their village and possibly met with an accident, as he did not return home. According to the family, Kamal occasionally went for fishing for food purposes near Tikadi Ghat and Mahadev Ghat. Acting on the information, a joint search operation was conducted on the morning of January 6 by personnel from Chand Police Station and staff of the Pench Tiger Reserve along the banks of the Pench River.

 

During the search, severely mutilated body parts of Kamal were recovered. Preliminary evidence found at the spot suggests that the body was attacked and partially consumed by a tiger. It was learnt that Kamal Uikey had left his home on the evening of January 4. The incident occurred near Mahadev Ghat under Beat Chhediya of Gumtara Core Forest Range, which falls under the Chhindwara division of the Pench Tiger Reserve.

 

It may be noted that Gumtara Core Range is part of the Critical Tiger Habitat, where entry of civilians is strictly prohibited. The body was recovered at around 9:30 am from the restricted core area in the presence of Chand police personnel. After completing the necessary legal and procedural formalities at the spot, the body was sent to Civil Hospital, Chourai, for post-mortem examination. As per government norms, Pench Tiger Reserve management is providing ex-gratia financial assistance to the deceased’s family while further investigation is underway.