Tiger attacks 66-year-old farmer in his field at Fiskuti in Mul taluka

A tiger attacked a farmer working in his field at Fiskuti in Mul taluka. The injured man is Dayaram Keshav Mohurle, 66, a resident of Virai. The incident has spread great fear among farmers and other residents of Fiskuti and the surrounding area.

According to the information available, Mohurle was working in his field at Fiskuti when a tiger lying in ambush in the field suddenly pounced on him. He was injured in the attack.

Others who were with him kept their presence of mind and began shouting loudly. Alarmed by the noise, the tiger fled from the spot towards the forest. A major tragedy was thus averted and Mohurle's life was saved.

On receiving news of the incident, his son Amit Mohurle reached the spot at once. He took his father to the sub-district hospital in Mul and had him admitted. He is currently undergoing treatment.

On learning of the incident, Tanmay Singh Jhire and Swapnil Akkewar, members of the Sanjeevani environmental organisation, also reached the sub-district hospital. Forest guard Lankesh Akhade of the Savli forest range was with them. They enquired after Mohurle's condition and gave courage to the family. Virai social worker Sanjay Mohurle also helped considerably in this difficult hour.

The movement of wild animals, especially tigers, has increased rapidly in the area in recent days. Farmers and farm labourers going out to tend crops and to plough and hoe their fields are in fear. Because they face tiger attacks while working in the fields, their lives are at risk at all times.

Angry and frightened residents are demanding that the Forest Department immediately begin close monitoring of tiger activity in the area. They also want it to take necessary preventive measures and warn people living nearby to be careful.