Bolangir: A woman showed exemplary courage by battling with a boar to save her minor daughter and a son at Sirabahal village under Deogaon block in this district Sunday.
She was identified as Kuni Parua (40). The incident occurred while Kuni along with Brundabati (5) and Laxman (5) had gone to collect mahua from her farmland. Kuni and Brundabati survived the fight with grievous injuries while Laxman had a close shave. They were rescued and admitted to the district headquarters hospital where their condition remained critical.
According to sources, a boar from a nearby forest strayed into the farmland and pounced on Brundabati while the three were busy collecting mahua. Seeing her daughter being attacked by the boar, Kuni mustered courage and ran to her rescue. She saved Brundabati although herself fell victim to the boar.
She was critically injured as she protected her daughter and son. On hearing their screams, locals armed with lathis rushed to the spot and drove away the boar. Kuni injured both her legs with severe wounds. Brundabati sustained injuries in her hand, head, legs and back. Their condition was critical due to excess blood loss.
According to sources, Kuni lost her husband a few years back. Since then, she has been living with her two children and ekes out a living by doing odd jobs.. Locals sympatised with Kuni and demanded medical assistance for them. At least 17 persons in Bolangir district were injured due to attacks from tiger, bear and boar in the last one month. PNN
