A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday near the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Morigaon district of Assam, claiming the life of a biker who was fatally attacked by a rhino. The harrowing incident was captured on camera by a local witness, showcasing the immense danger posed by encounters with wild animals. The victim, identified as 37-year-old Saddam Hussain, a resident of Sonapur Kachutali area in the Kamrup (Metro) district, was traveling on his bike from Mayong to Chamata when the rhino emerged from the sanctuary and began to pursue him. Despite desperate attempts to flee, the rhino cornered and attacked Saddam, ultimately leading to his tragic demise near Haduk Bridge. The viral video footage vividly portrays the heart-wrenching scene as Saddam, attempting to escape the charging rhino, abandons his bike and rushes towards an open field. The desperate cries of locals, attempting to scare away the powerful animal, can be heard in the background. Weighing up to 2,800 kilograms and capable of reaching speeds of 55 kilometers per hour, the rhino poses a significant threat to humans.
“The rhino came out of the wildlife sanctuary. We are investigating the incident,” Nayan Jyoti Das, Forest Range Officer of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, told ANI. Authorities are currently conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.
Rhino populations are a significant presence in several forests across Assam, including the renowned Kaziranga National Park. On September 22, the Assam Forest Department reported a positive development, announcing an increase in the rhino population to over 3,000, a significant jump from around 600 in the 1960s.
In an effort to enhance visitor safety and improve the overall tourist experience, the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve authority recently implemented a unique program. This initiative involved providing refresher training to approximately 700 Gypsy safari drivers and mahouts. With funding support from the Assam Skill Development Mission, the program aimed to equip these professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure the safety of visitors while fostering a deeper appreciation for wildlife conservation efforts. Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, emphasized the training’s focus on improving wildlife interpretation and visitor interaction, fostering a better understanding of conservation efforts among tourists.
While this tragic incident highlights the inherent dangers of encountering wildlife, it also underscores the importance of raising awareness about human-wildlife conflict and the need for effective measures to mitigate such incidents.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident on September 27, four individuals, including three children, were injured in animal attacks in Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh. A minor girl and a man were reportedly attacked by a leopard near Katarniaghat. Two other incidents, suspected to be wolf attacks, were also reported in the Bahraich forest division.
