PEOPLE in Ramtek tehsil continue to grapple with man-animal conflict, as in one more incident, a couple was attacked by bears that led to death of the woman while the husband suffered serious injuries. The couple is identified as Rajkumar Rajaram Bhalavi (45) and Sulochana Bhalavi (45), residents of village Umri. As per the reports, the couple went deep into the jungle to collect fire wood when they came under attack by two bears. They were corner in Beat no 292 of reserve forest area when the two bears roaming attacked them as the two were cutting wood. The couple could not withstand the attack as the bears left them badly wounded.

 

The incident, as per Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) Govinda Luche, occurred around 3.30 pm.The attack was too power and Sulochana died on the spot. As the news reached the villagers they gathered together and reached the spot. The forest officials to learnt about the incident and their team also reached the spot. This included Luche along with Range Forest Officer (RFO) Rahul Shinde, and after spot panchanama dispatched the body to Rural Hospital for post mortem.The injured Bhalavi was taken to sub district hospital at Ramtek. Staff from Deolapar and Ramtek police station also took note of the incident. This is the first such incident in the Ramtek Forest Circle wherein bears attacked humans. As per standing policy, the next of kin who dies in animal attack will receive Rs 10 lakh compensation.