The Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, home to the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR), is witnessing a sharp escalation in human-wildlife conflict. In just the first 19 days of September, five people have been killed in separate attacks by a tiger and a leopard. These latest fatalities raise the number of tiger-related deaths in the district to 30 in just nine months, prompting growing fear and anger among local villagers.

Forest officials have confirmed that four of the recent victims were killed by a tiger, while the fifth, a young child, fell victim to a leopard. The attacks occurred across multiple villages in the forest circle, highlighting the increasing overlap of human and wildlife habitats in the region.

The most recent tiger attack occurred on September 18 in a village under the Brahmapuri Division. A woman working on her farm was attacked and killed by a tiger. Officials say the animal responsible for the attack has been identified, and villagers in nearby areas have been alerted. In response, Primary Response Teams (PRTs) have been deployed to monitor the area and reduce the risk of further incidents.

Brahmapuri is one of three divisions under the Chandrapur Forest Circle, covering more than 4,000 square kilometers. The other two divisions — Central Chanda and Chandrapur — also report regular instances of human-animal conflict.

On the same day as the tiger attack, a separate tragedy unfolded in a nearby village when a seven-year-old child was taken by a leopard. The incident occurred in the evening as the child was returning from a village event with family members. Despite being accompanied by adults, the child was snatched and dragged away into the nearby forest. His body was recovered the following morning just outside the village perimeter.

These twin tragedies have reignited villagers’ long-standing demands for stronger preventive measures. Residents are calling for solar fencing around forest-adjacent villages, installation of solar-powered lights, and the clearing of overgrown hillsides that serve as cover for wild animals.

Tensions flared when villagers initially refused to release the child’s body for autopsy, demanding written assurance from authorities that their concerns would be addressed. According to local officials, a formal commitment was eventually provided, and the body was sent for examination approximately nine hours after it was found.

Forest officials have stated they are working to manage the crisis, calm public fears, and implement post-attack protocols. PRTs have been tasked with monitoring wildlife movement and coordinating with villagers to ensure safety.

However, criticism continues to mount over what many see as longstanding neglect. Village representatives have accused authorities of failing to act on similar demands made years ago when a tiger attack claimed the life of an elderly woman. They argue that the recent surge in attacks could have been prevented with timely intervention and proactive measures.

The growing tiger population in Chandrapur, which has increased from 191 in 2020 to 347 today, is believed to be a key factor in the rising frequency of encounters. With human settlements expanding and forest cover shrinking, experts warn that the conflict between people and wildlife in the region is likely to intensify if immediate steps are not taken.