HT Correspondent
NAGAON, Jan 5: A sudden attack by a strayed Royal Bengal Tiger at Nonoi Bhelaigaon under Nagaon PS resulted in the tragic death of Aditya Saikia (60) and serious injuries to Satya Phukan (45) early on Friday morning.
According to local sources, Satya Phukan had gone to a nearby crop field to feed his cows when the Bengal Tiger confronted and leaped on him. Alert villagers rushed to the scene with sticks, causing a commotion that led the tiger to retreat, leaving Phukan with severe injuries. Subsequently, the tiger entered the residential area where it attacked Aditya Saikia.
The injured victims were promptly admitted to Nagaon Medical College and Hospital for urgent treatment. Forest officials and personnel from Nagaon Forest Range Office were immediately informed and attempted to locate the strayed Bengal Tiger to capture it. However, as of the latest report, the tiger remains untraced.
In response to the incident, district commissioner Narendra Kr Shah (IAS) issued an official notification on Friday afternoon, imposing CrPC 144 with immediate effect in the greater Nonoi areas. The order strictly prohibits the assembly of five persons or more, carrying firearms, lethal weapons, bows and arrows, and making loud noises in these areas. Violation of this order will result in lawful action under Section 188. The notification, however, exempts police, forest personnel, and other paramilitary forces from these restrictions.
Local residents expressed astonishment, noting that it was the first time they had witnessed such a large and matured tiger in the area.