State may raise compensation to kin of animal attack victims

Mumbai: The compensation to the family of people killed in an attack by wild animals is likely to be increased by the state government. Forest minister Sudhir Mungantiwar said that the government is planning to hike the compensation to victims of attacks by wild animals to Rs 15 lakh for human loss. In addition to this, the compensation for loss of livestock is also likely to be increased to Rs 60,000.

The present compensation in the state for the loss of human life and livestock loss in an attack by wild animals is Rs 10 lakh and Rs 40,000 respectively. These figures are already among the highest in the country.

Mr Mungantiwar was speaking in the state Legislative Assembly on the issue of killing of tigress Avni raised by BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar and others. Avni was shot dead in early November after being accused of killing many villagers in Yavatmal district. However, her death created a huge controversy with animal lovers terming it a ‘murder.’

He said, “The decision to kill Avni was taken as there was no option left. Thirteen farmers and Adivasis had lost their lives in attacks by the tigress. Some 200 employees and officials of the forest department were trying desperately for two months to capture Avni. Even the help of elephants and dogs was taken in this cause. But several efforts to confine her by tranquilising had failed.”

Senior NCP MLA, Jayant Patil, said that Union minister Maneka Gandhi has also expressed doubts on the killing of Avni and had demanded a probe into the incident. He also said that the shooter Shafat Ali Khan, who was assigned for Avni’s killing, has been accused of supplying weapons to anti-national elements.