Guwahati, Dec 23: In a chilling reminder of the escalating human-wildlife conflict near Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, a 31-year-old farmer, Ruplal Malo, was fatally attacked by a wild buffalo on Monday. The incident occurred at 1 No. Dhamkhunda (Kordia), just outside the sanctuary’s protected boundaries in Chandrapur Revenue Circle, Kamrup Metro district.

Ruplal was tending to his paddy field when the notorious buffalo, known for prior instances of aggression, charged at him. Severely injured, he was rushed to Sonapur Hospital, but doctors declared him brought dead on arrival.

Witnesses claim the buffalo has been involved in multiple attacks in the past. After the incident, the animal retreated into the sanctuary, leaving locals on edge.

Forest officials, led by Pobitora Range Officer Pabitora, launched an immediate investigation and issued warnings to nearby residents. Shibani Pegu, Range Officer of Morigaon Range, personally visited Ruplal’s grieving family to offer condolences. His body was sent to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

The attack underscores the fragile coexistence between humans and wildlife in this region. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, famed for its dense population of Indian rhinoceroses, is also home to wild buffaloes that occasionally stray into human settlements in search of food.

The forest department is ramping up efforts to address these conflicts, including enhanced monitoring, awareness drives, and rapid response initiatives. Residents have been urged to exercise caution and avoid high-risk areas, particularly during peak wildlife activity hours.

This tragic incident is a stark reminder of the urgent need for sustainable solutions to mitigate human-wildlife interactions in and around Pobitora.

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