Jaipur: A female worker was mauled to death by a tiger at the city’s Nahargarh Biological Park Wednesday morning after a forest guard mistakenly let the animal out of its holding shelter and into a wider enclosure without realising that several cleaning women were still inside it.Sugna Devi, 42, was among seven women who had entered the tiger enclosure around 9am to remove cut grass. Her sister, Kamala Devi, who was part of the group, said five women ran towards the exit as the tiger charged, while a sixth managed to climb a tree. The male tiger, named Shivaji, pounced upon a hapless Sugna Devi before she could escape, she added.
Jaipur zoo cleaner killed by tiger
Jaipur zoo cleaner killed by tiger
Following the incident, the Forest department suspended the guard and ordered an enquiry into the incident.“Given the gravity of the incident, the guard in charge of the tiger enclosure has been suspended due to prima facie negligence of duty and a failure to adhere to safety protocols,” deputy conservator of forests (Wildlife) Ashish Vyas said in a statement.
Jaipur zoo cleaner killed by tiger
Jaipur zoo cleaner killed by tiger
The statement said an officer of the rank of assistant conservator of forests has been appointed to lead a detailed factual inquiry into the causes and circumstances of the incident. The investigation will look into CCTV footage and other records to establish the sequence of events and determine if there were any lapses in compliance with prescribed safety protocols, the statement added.
residents from Sugna Devi’s native village, Jamwa Ramgarh, gathered at the park and demanded compensation for her family.
residents from Sugna Devi’s native village, Jamwa Ramgarh, gathered at the park and demanded compensation for her family.
The probe committee will ensure strict action against anyone found responsible, Vyas said while speaking to the media later Wednesday afternoon.“A preliminary police investigation has established that the guard on duty opened the door to the tiger’s holding shelter before the cleaning staff could leave. There appears to have been negligence in the matter,” he added.
Tiger kills zoo cleaner after guard leaves enclosure open in Jaipur
Tiger kills zoo cleaner after guard leaves enclosure open in Jaipur
Following the incident, residents from Sugna Devi’s native Jamwa Ramgarh village gathered outside the park to protest and demand compensation for her family. Later in the day, the Forest department announced financial aid of Rs 10 lakh to the dependents of the deceased.Amer MLA Prashant Sharma, who reached Nahargarh following the incident, said, “Action must be taken against whoever is found guilty. The woman who died had been working there for eight years. She will certainly be provided with assistance”.“While the family has demanded a permanent govt job, talks are currently focused on a contractual position,” he added.
