Tehri: A shocking incident in Uttarakhand’s Tehri has left villagers angry and fearful. On Thursday, a bear attacked three people, including the village headman Bergani Yudhveer Singh Rawat, forester Ajaypal Panwar, and villager Vinod Singh Rawat, at Thapali Tok on the Chamba-Dharasu motorway.
The three men, along with other villagers, had gone to observe the bear’s movements after repeated sightings in the area. However, the bear was already present and suddenly attacked them. All three sustained serious injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
In another disturbing incident linked to Uttarakhand’s worsening wildlife crisis, a bear attack in Tehri’s Suliyadhar area has left three people seriously injured.
Those injured reportedly include the village head Yudhveer Singh Rawat, Forester Ajaypal Panwar, and Vinod Singh… pic.twitter.com/8BVGi5LFiH
— Kumaon Jagran (@KumaonJagran) April 3, 2026
This attack comes just days after a woman was reportedly mauled by a bear in the same location, raising concerns about increasing wildlife threats in the region.
Villagers’ Anger
Following the incident, angry villagers gathered outside the District Magistrate’s office. They shouted slogans against the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) and staged a sit-in protest demanding his immediate removal.
Villagers alleged that despite repeated warnings about the bear’s presence, the Forest Department failed to act responsibly. They claimed the DFO sent only a few unarmed employees with sticks to monitor the situation, which they believe directly led to Thursday’s attack.
Victim’s Statement
Injured village head Yudhveer Singh Rawat said that while he was reporting the bear’s activities to the DFO over the phone, the officer disconnected the call midway. He accused the DFO of negligence and said the protest would continue until the officer is removed.
Political Reaction
Former Cabinet Minister Dinesh Dhanai also criticized the Forest Department, saying the incident occurred near his maternal home. He stated that villagers had informed him about the bear, and he personally called the DFO. However, he described the officer’s attitude as irresponsible, adding that such officials should be removed from their posts immediately.
Growing Concerns
The incident highlights the growing conflict between humans and wildlife in Uttarakhand’s hilly regions. Villagers say they live in constant fear due to frequent bear sightings and attacks. They demand stronger measures from the Forest Department, including armed teams, better monitoring, and preventive action to protect lives.