Assam | Tea garden worker killed by rhino in Kaziranga; protests follow

GUWAHATI | January 19, 2019:

In a man-animal conflict, a tea garden worker was killed in a rhino attack
on Friday which took place at Assam's Hatikhuli Tea Estate under Kohora forest range in Kaziranga National Park.

The deceased has been identified as Dhunda Bhumij of Line No 4 of Hatikhuli Tea Estate. He was attacked when he had gone
to relieve himself at a nearby jungle.

Bhumij was rushed to hospital, where he was declared brought dead. Doctors said the cause of death was the grievous injury he sustained in his chest when the rhino attacked him with its horn.

Workers of the tea garden blocked NH -37 for about an hour after the incident, carrying the dead body. They alleged that the forest department has failed to control the man-animal conflict in the area.

They also demanded adequate compensation be given to the family members of the deceased. "The incident occurred due to lapses on the part of the forest department," said an agitator.

"Enraged garden workers blocked the national highway at Kaziranga in support of several demands. Later, top forest officials and police arrived at the spot, gave assurances to the public and brought the situation under control," said Kohora forest range officer Ritu Paban Borah.

Forest department officials sent the body to Golaghat Kushal Konwar Civil Hospital for autopsy. They also provided some financial assistance to the victim's family for funeral expenses.

Source: TOI