Farmer suffers multiple injuries in bear attack near Varushanadu

Murugan, 53, of Dharmarajapuram near Varushanadu in Theni district suffered multiple injuires when he was attacked by a bear on Saturday.

Forest officials in Kandamanur said that Murugan went to his farm situated at Panjam Thangi foothills in Andipatti block, when a bear that was hiding in the vicinity pounced on him. On hearing his cries, farmers who were nearby rushed to his rescue and chased away the bear. Murugan was taken to Theni Government Medical College and Hospital in an ambulance. Doctors attending on him said he had suffered multiple injuries in the bear attack.

Kadamalaikundu police are investigating.

At a recent monthly grievance meeting, farmers had raised concern about the threat posed by wild animals. Forest officials had said the public should avoid going inside deep forests alone and late in the evening.

The farmers called for decisive action and support as the wild animals not only destroyed their crops but also attacked them, which sometimes turned fatal.