Man Seriously Injured in Tiger Attack in Shingkhar, Zhemgang
Shingkhar, Zhemgang — A 35-year-old resident of Shingkhar was rushed to the Gelephu Central Regional Referral Hospital on Tuesday after he was mauled by a tiger along the Changkhar farm road at around 9 a.m.
The attack occurred when the man and another villager stepped into the bushes below the road to relieve themselves. They were part of a team of local residents working on the base course of the farm road as part of the blacktopping project.
Medical officials reported that the victim suffered multiple bite marks and deep puncture wounds on his right arm and leg, minor cuts on his scalp, a fractured wrist bone, and suspected injuries to the ligaments and meniscus in his right knee. He has been admitted to the surgical ward and is in stable condition, awaiting a minor surgical procedure.
According to villagers, the same tiger had been spotted earlier that morning while they were heading to the worksite. The group had managed to drive it away by throwing stones, but the animal reappeared unexpectedly and launched the attack.
Local leaders noted that this is the first instance of a tiger attacking a person in the gewog. However, they confirmed that the three tigers frequenting the nearby areas have been responsible for the loss of 20 to 30 cattle every year.
Authorities are keeping watch on the situation, and residents have been advised to remain vigilant, especially while travelling through forested stretches and isolated locations.
