Death in an ‘Electric Trap’: Tiger Dies After Electrocution, Serious Questions Raised Over Lapses at Valmiki Tiger Reserve

West Champaran (Bihar):
A tragic incident has once again exposed alarming gaps in wildlife protection after an adult tiger died due to suspected electrocution in a wheat field near the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR). The incident has raised serious questions about the preparedness and monitoring system of the forest department.

The tiger had reportedly strayed out of the Manguraha forest range of the Valmiki Tiger Reserve and wandered into Purainiya village under Manpur police station area, where its lifeless body was later found in an agricultural field.

Preliminary investigation suggests that local farmers may have laid live electric wires around the wheat crop to protect it from animals. The tiger is believed to have come in contact with the electrified fencing, resulting in instant death.

Forest Department Reaches After Incident

Upon receiving information, a forest department team rushed to the spot and recovered the body. The carcass was sent for post-mortem examination to confirm the exact cause of death. Officials stated that the final rites of the tiger will be conducted at the Manguraha forest range office following established wildlife protocols.

However, the incident has left behind several disturbing unanswered questions.

Serious Lapses Under Scanner

The tragedy has triggered widespread concern over forest surveillance failures. Key questions remain:

• Why was the tiger’s movement outside the forest not tracked in time?
• Why was no alert issued when the animal entered human-inhabited areas?
• Were forest officials unaware that illegal electric fencing was being used in nearby farmlands?
• Was there coordination failure between the forest department and local administration?

Wildlife experts say such incidents point to systemic negligence, especially in sensitive buffer zones surrounding protected areas.

Violation of Wildlife Protection Act

Under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, killing a tiger — even unintentionally — is a non-bailable offence. Forest officials indicated that strict legal action will be initiated against those found responsible once electrocution is officially confirmed.

The department has also issued a warning stating that the use of electric current in fields is extremely dangerous — not only for wildlife but also for humans.

A Grim Reminder

The death of the tiger serves as a grim reminder of the fragile coexistence between wildlife and human settlements. Conservationists warn that unless surveillance, community awareness, and rapid response mechanisms are strengthened, such incidents will continue to threaten India’s most protected national animal.