When Your Woman Axes a Bear for You!! Wife Saves Husband in Odisha Forest

In a story that sounds almost unbelievable, a 41 year old tribal woman displayed extraordinary courage by fighting off a wild bear to save her husband in a dense forest in Odisha.

The incident took place on Tuesday in the Hatisalabeda forest near Milu village under the Karanjia range in Mayurbhanj district. Malde Soren, 48, and his wife Lili Soren, 41, had gone into the forest to collect leaves, a routine activity for many tribal families who depend on forest produce for their livelihood.

According to forest officials, the couple unexpectedly encountered a group of six wild bears. One of the animals suddenly attacked Malde, mauling him viciously and inflicting serious injuries, including deep wounds to his scalp. With the forest thick around them and no immediate help in sight, the situation quickly turned life threatening.

What happened next stunned even officials.

Instead of running to safety, Lili picked up the axe she was carrying and struck the attacking bear repeatedly . Range officer Prasant Kumar Swain said the bear sustained injuries from the blows and eventually retreated into the jungle.

Malde, who was critically injured, was first taken to the government hospital in Karanjia and later shifted to the district hospital in Keonjhar for advanced treatment. He remains under medical supervision.

Officials have praised Lili’s presence of mind and fearless response, calling it a rare and powerful example of bravery in the face of grave danger. The incident also highlights the daily risks faced by forest dwelling communities, where survival often demands both resilience and remarkable courage.