25yo farmer killed in tiger attack in Kheri

Pilibhit: A 25-year-old farmer was killed in a tiger attack while he was harvesting sugarcane setts in his field in Kheri district around 4pm on Monday. Hearing his screams, other people from nearby fields rushed to the spot, forcing the tiger to retreat into the surrounding sugarcane fields.Manoj Kumar of Nandlalpur village suffered severe neck and back injuries and died on the way to Gola community health centre.The incident occurred about 5km from Mohamdi forest range of South Kheri forest division and nearly 300 metres from the village habitation, under Hyderabad police station.Divisional forest officer Thapas Mihir inspected the site and ordered installation of five camera traps in the area to identify the animal and track its movement. Forest teams have also been deployed to monitor the situation, while villagers have been advised to remain cautious.Village pradhan Deep Kumar alleged that frequent movement of tigers and leopards in the area has become a persistent threat to residents. He said repeated requests for protective measures, including chain-link fencing along the forest boundary, have not yielded results.DFO Mihir said officials have been directed to compile reports on man-animal conflict in villages located near the Katna river, which flows about one km from the village. Based on the findings, further protective measures will be considered.The forest department has also recommended compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the victim's family under the state relief policy.