Redhakhol: A 50-year-old farmer sustained critical injuries after he was mauled by a bear Friday. He was identified as Kapil Sabar of Mahaling under Charmal police limits in Sambalpur district.
According to sources, Sabar was working at his farm when a bear appeared from the bushes and pounced upon him.
Sabar sustained multiple injuries on his face, head, eyes and left hand. Hearing his screams, other workers rushed to his rescue and chased away the bear. He was then admitted to Redhakhol Government hospital from where he had to be shifted to VSS Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) in Burla as his condition deteriorated.
The incident spread tension in the area as locals accused the forest officials of not being able to track movement of wild animals.
“Several people have been injured while many have lost their lives in elephant, boar and bear attacks. But, the forest officials are oblivious of these incidents,” complained the locals. They demanded free treatment for Sabar and compensation for his family.
Earlier, Dandadhar Majhi, a farmer of Telighana village, had died after he was attacked by a boar while his daughter-in-law Banita Majhi was rendered critical in their farm.
Repeated attacks by animals are on the rise in the area. But the forest officials have failed to drive away the animals. Villagers fear to go out for work or send their children to schools as students from remote areas have to trek through forests to reach their schools.
Panicked villagers have urged the forest officials to stay alert and take measures to track movement of wild animals.
PNN
