Umaria police have arrested seven people in connection with the violent attack on a Forest Department rescue team following the death of a tiger and a subsequent human-wildlife conflict incident in Khairwa Tola village under the Panpatha Buffer Zone of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. The arrests come after a special panel of wildlife experts released findings of a second post-mortem examination conducted on the tiger whose carcass was found on May 24. According to officials, the report revealed that the tiger died due to cardio-respiratory failure as its heart and breathing had stopped. The examination also found a dart mark on the tiger’s right shoulder, but notably there was no bleeding from the spot, indicating that the tranquilizer dart had been administered after the animal had already died.

 

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Field Director Anupam Sahay informed that re-examination was conducted at State Wildlife Forensic Health Centre in Jabalpur by a panel comprising three wildlife veterinarians and two invited specialists. The report noted that the tiger’s muscles were pale and dehydrated, its digestive tract was completely empty, and its skin appeared rough and lifeless. Experts concluded that the tiger’s death resulted from cardiac and respiratory failure, which could have been triggered by severe illness, internal health complications, extreme physical or mental stress, or possible toxicity. Samples from various internal organs have been collected and sent to accredited laboratories for detailed analysis. Officials said the exact cause of death will only be determined after the final laboratory reports are received. The incident escalated after a tiger attack in Khairwa Tola village killed a woman and injured three others, triggering anger among local residents.

 

When a Forest Department rescue team arrived at the spot, an agitated crowd attacked the personnel, obstructed official duties, assaulted forest staff and damaged Government vehicles and equipment. Based on the video footage and witness statements, police arrested seven accused identified as Bittu alias Premlal Pal, Laxman Pal, Radhe Pal, Ravi Tiwari, Dwarika alias Ajay Singh, Chandrashekhar Jaiswal and Dharmu Pal. Police said several other persons involved in the violence remain absconding. Special teams have been formed to trace and arrest remaining suspects. Authorities have adopted a strict legal approach in the case and are continuing a joint investigation with the Forest Department to establish complete sequence of events surrounding both the tiger’s death and the attack on the rescue team.