Tiger attacks student in Kultali, escalating fear as wild cats roam locally

A 16-year-old student, Rahul Halder, was attacked by a tiger in Kultali on Thursday night while walking along a riverbank in the Guruguriya-Bhubaneshwari Gram Panchayat area, part of the Kultali block in the Sundarbans region. Rahul, a student of Debipur High School, was walking near his home after dinner, holding his mobile phone, when the tiger pounced on him from behind. The animal attacked with its claws, leaving Rahul injured but conscious.

Rahul screamed for help, and his family, hearing his cries, rushed to the scene and immediately took him to Jayanagar-Kultali Rural Hospital. Doctors confirmed that while the injury was serious, it was not life-threatening. The sweater Rahul was wearing is believed to have helped minimize the severity of the injury by reducing the depth of the tiger’s claw marks, though the fabric was torn. The hospital staff treated his wounds, and Rahul’s condition is stable.

The attack on Rahul follows a series of tiger sightings in nearby villages. On the previous night, a tiger was spotted near the Guruguriya village. In response, local residents set off firecrackers to drive the animal back into the jungle. However, the frequency of these tiger sightings and the recent attack have heightened the concern among local residents, particularly in areas where human settlements are in close proximity to the forest.

Forest department officials have been closely monitoring the situation. They have intensified patrols and have been in contact with local authorities to ensure the safety of the villagers. According to forest department sources, teams have been deployed in the affected areas to track the movement of tigers and prevent further incidents. Local villagers have been advised to report any tiger sightings immediately to the authorities.

Experts have suggested that the recent attacks may be linked to the colder weather, which could cause tigers to venture out in search of food, especially in areas near human settlements. The presence of tigers in populated regions has become a growing concern in the Sundarbans, where the dense forests are home to a significant tiger population. Authorities are continuing to take preventive measures, including raising awareness among the locals about how to stay safe in such encounters and reinforcing monitoring of the affected areas.