Farmer injured in bear attack near VTR

Bettiah: A 50-year-old farmer was seriously injured after a bear attacked him in a village near the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in West Champaran district on Tuesday.The injured man, Ranjeet Oraon of Sakhuwanwa village under Valmikinagar police station area, was working in his farmland near the Gonouli forest range when the animal allegedly emerged from the forest and attacked him.Hearing his cries, villagers rushed to the spot and managed to chase the bear away, preventing further injuries.Oraon sustained severe injuries and was first taken to the primary health centre at Harnatand. He was later referred to the Govt Medical College and Hospital in Bettiah after his condition worsened.Medical officer Rajendra Kaji said, “The bear attacked the farmer on his head and chest. After first aid treatment, considering his critical condition, he was referred to the district hospital.”