A day after a tribal woman was killed and her husband injured in a bear attack in Ramtek forest range, the body of another tribal villager was recovered on Monday morning near Paoni village, intensifying fears of escalating human–wildlife conflict around the Pench Tiger Reserve. Forest officials said the cause of death is yet to be confirmed, but clear animal pugmarks and bloodstains at the site indicate a fatal attack by a wild animal. The deceased has been identified as Suraj Dhurve, 57, a resident of Savra village. He had left home on Sunday morning to graze his cattle in the nearby forest. While the animals returned by evening, Dhurve did not. Family members and villagers launched a search late into the night, but failed to trace him.

 

The matter was then reported to the Forest Department and Deolapar Police. Search operations resumed early Monday with Forest teams and police personnel combing the area. After hours of effort, Dhurve’s mutilated body was discovered deep inside the forest. Officials conducted a spot panchnama before sending the remains to the Rural Hospital, Deolapar, for post-mortem examination. Preliminary assessment by Forest officers suggests death due to an attack by a carnivorous animal, though the exact species will be confirmed only after the medical report. Investigators noted distinct pugmarks near the body along with signs of a violent struggle, reinforcing the suspicion of wildlife involvement. Following the incident, the Forest Department has intensified patrolling along the periphery of Savra village and surrounding forest beats.

 

An advisory has been issued urging residents to remain alert and to avoid entering forest areas until the inquiry is completed and the threat is assessed. The investigation is being carried out under the guidance of Deputy Director Akshay Gajbhiye and Assistant Conservator Kumari P S Limbgaonkar. Paoni Range Officer L M Thakre, Deolapar Wildlife Range Officer Abhijit Ilamkar, Field Assistant S P Rathod, Forest Guard R K Karamore of South Usripar beat, Quick Response Team members and Special Tiger Protection Force Unit-3 are involved in the probe. Villages surrounding the Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR), largely inhabited by tribal communities, have witnessed repeated incidents of human–wildlife conflict in recent months. The latest death has heightened panic among residents, with many farmers reluctant to visit their fields for agricultural work. Local representatives have demanded stronger protection measures and immediate compensation for affected families.