Tiger mauls woman labourer at Jaipur park; official suspended

A 42-year-old woman labourer was killed by a tiger at Jaipur's Nahargarh Biological Park on Wednesday morning, prompting the suspension of a park official and a probe into the incident.

The victim, identified as Sugna Devi, was part of a group of women who had entered an enclosure to cut grass. According to her sister Kamla, who was present at the scene, the tiger named Shivaji emerged from its cage inside the enclosure and attacked Devi.

Kamla recounted that the group was working when they noticed the cage had been opened. Devi, who was carrying cut grass on her head, dropped the load and ran towards the others. While five women managed to escape by climbing over the fence, one climbed a tree. Devi also attempted to scale the fence but was pulled down by the tiger.

The women said their shouts for help went unheard. Following the incident, family members staged a protest demanding compensation.

Deputy Conservator of Forests Dr Ashish Vyas said the cage was opened by the in-charge of the Tiger Enclosure, identified as Hansa, who has been suspended. The official said the suspension was done "prima facie for negligence in duty and failure in following the safety protocol," as the cage was opened to move the tiger to its display area.

An assistant conservator of forests-level officer has been appointed to conduct a detailed investigation into the incident. The probe will examine events leading up to the attack, security arrangements, compliance with standard operating procedures, and CCTV footage.

Forest department officials have met Devi's family and villagers to offer assistance as per rules. The department has also announced a review of all security arrangements at the park and will strengthen them if required.