Tragedy struck at Assam’s renowned Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve as a forest officer lost his life and another sustained injuries in a harrowing encounter with a herd of wild buffaloes on Monday, as confirmed by sources familiar with the incident.
According to park officials, the two foresters were conducting a routine patrol when they were suddenly ambushed by a group of aggressive wild buffaloes. Despite their efforts to evade the attack, two of them were unable to escape unscathed.
Regrettably, one of the officers, identified as Apo Momin, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the sub-divisional civil hospital in Kaliabor. Momin, a recent addition to the team, met an untimely demise in the line of duty.
The second forester, identified as Sonamani Rabha, sustained injuries in the encounter and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Expressing shock and sadness over the tragic loss, a senior official from Kaziranga National Park extended condolences to Momin’s family and colleagues. The sudden and unforeseen nature of the incident has deeply affected the park community.
Authorities have initiated procedures for a postmortem examination of Apu Momin’s body, as police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal attack.
The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent risks faced by those dedicated to protecting and conserving wildlife in their natural habitats, highlighting the challenges and dangers encountered by forest officers in their noble endeavor to safeguard biodiversity.
