Tiger cub attacks four-year-old boy in Chandgaon near Brahmapuri; uncle's shouting saves him

A tiger attacked a four-year-old boy at Chandgaon in Brahmapuri taluka at around 6.30 pm on Tuesday, October 27. The child was injured and has been admitted to Christanand Hospital in Brahmapuri for treatment. The attack was reportedly carried out by a cub of a striped tiger.

Rohit Valke was on his way to his aunt's house in the village, with four-year-old Mayank Ashok Valke walking behind him. As they reached the steps of the aunt's house, a tiger cub lying in wait pounced on Mayank. According to the family, the boy had only just reached the steps when the tiger leapt at him.

Hearing Mayank's scream, Rohit turned around and saw the tiger attacking the child. He immediately began shouting loudly, and the tiger ran off. The uncle's courage saved the child's life and averted a major tragedy. The incident has nevertheless left people in the area both angry and afraid.

Villagers said a tiger had attacked a goat in the same area just two days earlier. First a goat, and now a four-year-old child close to the settlement. With such incidents recurring, people are questioning the forest department's work and the lack of protective arrangements. Angry residents are asking what concrete steps the administration took to avert the danger even after it knew of the tiger's movements.

On learning of the incident, forest department officials and senior officers concerned reached the hospital and enquired after the injured child. Range Forest Officer Kannamwar also visited the hospital and asked about the boy's condition. Police are also investigating. But people's anger is that, rather than visiting the hospital after the incident, it is more important that effective and strict arrangements are made in advance so that such deadly incidents do not recur.

The area falls under the forest department's compartment number 123, and residents say every movement of the tiger here needs to be watched closely. The demand is growing for regular patrols in areas adjoining the village, camera traps at key locations, tracking of the animals, and periodic cautionary messages to people. Residents of Chandgaon want the forest department to now draw up a serious, concrete action plan, especially for the safety of small children, women, and those who go to the fields or travel outside the village.