Guwahati, 30th September: In a tragic incident near the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary on Sunday, September 29, a biker was fatally attacked by a rhino. The victim, Saddam Hussain, 37, a resident of Sonapur Kachutali, was riding his motorcycle from Mayong to Chamata when the rhino charged at him near Haduk Bridge, according to local authorities.
Forest officials confirmed that the rhino had wandered out of the sanctuary before the attack. Nayan Jyoti Das, Forest Range Officer of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, stated, “The rhino came out of the wildlife sanctuary. We are investigating the incident.” The circumstances surrounding how the animal managed to leave the protected area remain unclear.
The tragic incident has sparked concerns about the increasing instances of human-wildlife conflict in the region. Pobitora, known for its dense population of Indian rhinos, frequently sees animals straying into nearby areas, posing risks to local residents.
This event comes on the heels of several other wildlife attacks in different parts of India. On September 27, in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, four people, including three children, were injured in separate incidents involving a leopard and suspected wolves. The leopard attack took place near Katarniaghat, injuring a 13-year-old girl and a 35-year-old man. Katarniaghat Divisional Forest Officer Shiv Shankar confirmed the attacks, and the victims are currently undergoing medical treatment.
The series of incidents highlights the growing challenges of human-wildlife interactions in areas bordering wildlife sanctuaries across India.