A woman was killed and a teenage girl was seriously injured after a Gaur attacked them in Pendhari village of Saoner tehsil on Wednesday afternoon. The incident has created fear among villagers and led to protests against the Forest Department. The deceased woman has been identified as Reshma Vikesh Dhurve (29), a resident of Pendhari. She is survived by four-year-old daughter and two-year-old son. The injured girl is identified as Nisha Keshav Iwanati (16), originally from Boria in Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh, currently staying in Pendhari. According to information, Reshma and Nisha had gone to the farm of Kallu Kanoje in Pendhari area to pick cotton. At around 1.30 pm, a Gaur suddenly attacked them. Reshma was badly injured in the attack and died on the spot. Nisha also was seriously injured while trying to save Reshma.

 

The incident came to light between 2.30 pm and 3 pm, after which villagers informed the Forest Department. Forest officer Mahesh Kuthe reached the spot soon after receiving the information. As incidents of wild animal attacks have been increasing in the area, local citizens became angry and questioned the forest officials. A heated argument took place between villagers and the Forest Department staff. When the situation became tense, Khapa Police Station officer Kishor Bhujade arrived at the spot with his team. Sub-Divisional Police Officer Sagar Kharde also reached the village and helped control the situation.

 

Later, Khapa Range Forest Officer Vijay Gangawane assured the villagers that the Government would provide Rs 25 lakh compensation to the family of the deceased woman and proper treatment to the injured girl. The body of Reshma Dhurve was sent to Saoner Government Hospital for post-mortem. The injured girl was admitted to Government Hospital in Nagpur for treatment. Meanwhile, angry villagers surrounded the Khapa Forest Department office and demanded immediate steps to control wild animals and ensure safety of people living in the area. Forest officials have conducted a panchnama. Further investigation is on.