Bear kills villager in Korba District

A 26-year-old man was killed in a suspected bear attack in Korba district of Chhattisgarh, forest officials said on Monday.

The victim, identified as Santosh Kumar Gond , a resident of Salaigot village under the Kendai range of the Katghora forest division, had gone to the nearby forest on Sunday to graze his goats. While the livestock returned home , Gond did not, prompting his family to alert villagers and inform the forest department.

After hours of combing operations , officials recovered his body from the forest around 1.30 am . Paw prints found near the spot indicated that a bear was likely responsible for the attack.

Katghora Divisional Forest Officer Kumar Nishant said an immediate relief of Rs 25,000 has been provided to the bereaved family, and an additional compensation of Rs 5.75 lakh will be disbursed after completion of formalities.

The forest department has advised villagers to avoid venturing into forest areas alone and to remain vigilant.