Tiger Claims 5 Lives In 4 Days Along Telangana-Maharashtra Border

According to eyewitnesses, the tiger struck suddenly and despite the group’s attempts to flee, Bhumika was fatally mauled along Telangana-Maharashtra Border.

The series of attacks has sparked widespread alarm not only in Chandrapur and Ballarsha districts but also in Telangana's Kumram Bheem Asifabad.

Source : Special arrangement

A rogue tiger, locally referred to as Bebbuli, is creating widespread fear along the Maharashtra-Telangana border, claiming five lives within four days in Chandrapur district, which borders Kumram Bheem Asifabad in Telangana.

The most recent victim, Bhumika Bender (28) from Badurana village in Mool taluka, was attacked and killed on Monday while collecting tunika, a forest produce, with her husband and family. According to eyewitnesses, the tiger struck suddenly, and despite the group’s attempts to flee, Bhumika was fatally mauled. Forest officials conducted a site inspection and later moved the body for postmortem in Mool town.

Series Of Deadly Attacks

The carnage began on May 10, when three laborers — Kantha Chaudhary (65), Shubhangi Chaudhary (28), and Rekhasinde (51) — from Mendamala village were found dead near a pond in the Chargaon forest area after failing to return from tunika collection. The next day, Vimala Shinde (64) from Nagoda village also fell victim to the tiger in a separate attack.

The series of attacks has sparked widespread alarm not only in Chandrapur and Ballarsha districts but also in Telangana's Kumram Bheem Asifabad, where fear is growing that the tiger could cross into local forests.

In response, the Maharashtra Forest Department has temporarily banned tunika collection in the affected areas — a move that impacts seasonal earnings for tribal communities but is deemed necessary for public safety. Authorities have urged residents to avoid forested areas until the animal is located and captured.

Efforts are underway to track the tiger, and additional forest personnel have been deployed to monitor the region. Wildlife experts believe the tiger may have turned aggressive due to habitat loss or injury, though investigations are ongoing.

The attacks have triggered a renewed debate on human-wildlife conflict in forest-fringe communities, with urgent calls for improved monitoring, early warning systems, and better protection for tribal workers who depend on forest produce for their livelihood