Chandrapur, Maharashtra: A 55-year-old farmer was killed in a suspected tiger attack in Janakapur village under Nagbhid taluka of Chandrapur district on Wednesday. The attack occurred in an agricultural field located close to a forested area, once again highlighting the growing challenge of human-tiger conflict in the region.

According to forest officials, the farmer had gone to work in his field when the tiger is believed to have attacked him. Local residents alerted authorities after discovering the victim, following which forest and police personnel rushed to the spot and began an investigation.

With this latest tragedy, the number of people killed in wildlife-related attacks in Chandrapur district this year has risen to 28, making it one of the country’s most affected regions for human-wildlife conflict. The district, which includes forests connected to Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, has witnessed frequent encounters between tigers and people due to expanding human activities near forest fringes.

Forest officials have intensified patrolling in the area and urged villagers to avoid venturing alone into fields or forest edges during early morning and evening hours, when tigers are most active. Residents have also been advised to remain vigilant and immediately report any tiger movement to the Forest Department.

The incident serves as another reminder of the urgent need to strengthen measures that protect both local communities and India’s growing tiger population through improved habitat management, early-warning systems, and community awareness programmes.