A Royal Bengal tiger was killed and dismembered by a mob in India’s northeastern state of Assam, specifically in the Golaghat district. According to forest officials, the tiger had been posing a threat to villagers’ lives after killing livestock in the area. Top forest official Gunadeep Das stated that the tiger died from sharp wounds inflicted by machetes, not gunshots. “Around a thousand people had gathered to kill the tiger,” Mr. Das added, and the carcass was later recovered in the presence of a magistrate and sent for an autopsy.
The killing has sparked widespread condemnation, with lawmaker Mrinal Saikia terming the incident “unfortunate and regrettable”. He shared a video showing the tiger’s dead body with parts of its skin, face, and legs missing, and wrote, “This is a very painful act. The Earth is not only for humans, it is for animals as well.” Saikia assured that strict action would be taken against those involved in the killing.
This incident highlights the growing conflict between humans and wildlife in Assam, where tiger habitats are shrinking. Despite conservation efforts, instances of man-animal conflict have been on the rise. The state’s forest department has registered a case, and police are identifying those involved in the mob killing. According to official data, tiger populations in Assam have increased from 70 in 2006 to 190 in 2019 due to conservation efforts. However, the lack of protection of tiger corridors between national parks may be contributing to these conflicts.
Tigers are a protected species under India’s Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, which prohibits poaching, hunting, and trade of tiger parts. This incident marks the third tiger killing reported in the state this year, emphasizing the need for better preparedness in handling wildlife-related emergencies.
Concerns have also been raised about safety of livestocks for human consumption and survival. A symbiotic approach would be most desired.