Thakurmunda: In a tragic incident, a man was mauled to death by a bear while his wife was left battling for life after the couple was attacked by the bear early Saturday morning.
The heartrending incident was reported from Bausadiha village under Satkosia forest range of this block in Mayurbhanj district.
The deceased has been identified as Dharani Ho while the injured person was identified as Dharani’s wife Balma Ho.
Sources said, the incident occurred while the couple was on their way to their farm to pull out grass from their paddy field.
Meanwhile, they came face to face with the bear that had strayed into the village at night.
The bear pounced on Dharani and bit on his torso and face, leading to his death on the spot. The bear also did not spare Dharani’s wife who was following him to the farm.
Hearing their screams, locals working in nearby fields rushed to the spot with lathis and drove away the bear. Balma was first admitted to Thakurmunda community health centre (CHC). After preliminary treatment, she was referred to the district headquarters hospital (DHH) in Mayurbhanj as her condition worsened, it was learnt.
The incident spread outrage in the area as locals demanded necessary compensation for the bereaved family.
PNN