Tiger victim’s body moved from forest to farm ‘for aid’

Pilibhit: Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) foresters allegedly moved the body of a tiger attack victim discreetly from the core area of the reserve to a sugarcane field to conceal evidence of illegal tree felling. Allegations circulate that this tactic aims to silence locals and expedite a Rs 5 lakh compensation for the bereaved family, serving as damage control, as many PTR foresters haven’t received salaries for 15 months.A police officer on duty confirmed the body was shifted from the forest to a farm, revealing a potential attempt to manipulate compensation rules. Regulations bar compensation for fatal human-wildlife conflicts within the jungle. The incident marks the 47th human fatality in tiger attacks since February 23, 2016, with 29 incidents outside the core forest and 18 within. On Tuesday morning, a joint effort by Madhotanda police, PTR foresters, and villagers recovered the half-eaten body of Ganga Ram, a 38-year-old villager, killed by a tiger on Monday afternoon inside the core forest area.Ram, part of a group hired for unauthorised tree removal, was promised wages in jungle wood. Ram’s colleagues claimed he was killed by a tiger, prompting a search that lasted until dusk on Monday. His mutilated body was found on Tuesday morning and shifted to a cane field. Forest officer Naveen Khandelwal denied any ongoing grassland management plan and promised an inquiry. He hinted at forest watchers’ delayed salaries influencing illegal activities. NTCA rules strictly prohibit exploiting forest produce in core areas.Dr Amitabh Agnihotri, vice-president of Wildlife Biodiversity Conservation Society, urged a high-level probe, seeking the UP CM’s intervention.