Farmer attacked by bear in Burhanpur village

Indore: A 60-year-old farmer was attacked by a bear on Saturday morning in Dhond village within Dhulkot forest range of Burhanpur district.The victim, identified as Raisingh, sustained severe injuries on his legs and thighs. Nearby villagers rushed to the spot upon hearing his screams and managed to scare the animal back into the forest.Raisingh was rushed to a local healthcare facility near Dhulkot in 108 ambulance from where he was referred to Burhanpur district hospital for advanced treatment.Dhulkot forest ranger Manoj Kumar Vaskale said that intense summer heat had depleted natural water sources, forcing wildlife to move towards agricultural lands on forest periphery.This is the second bear attack in the district within five days. Earlier, a bear had mauled a shepherd in Utaini village. The forest department has initiated public awareness announcements, warning villagers to exercise caution near forest borders.In Mandsaur, residents of Betikhedi village under Nahargarh police station limits caught two men accused of poaching an Indian peafowl and seized carcass of the bird. The suspects and the dead bird were taken to Nahargarh police station.Divisional forest officer Sanjay Raikhere told TOI that a specialized team has been dispatched to conduct a formal investigation. “Legal proceedings are being initiated under the Wildlife Protection Act,” he said.