SURKHET: Three people have been killed in separate tiger attacks in Surkhet and Salyan districts over the past week, spreading fear among local residents living near forest areas.

The victims have been identified as Ganga Saru (57) of Bheriganga Municipality-5, Surkhet; Dhanasari Rawat of Kalimati Rural Municipality-7, Salyan; and Chandra Bahadur Khaptadi (65) of Kalimati Rural Municipality-8.

According to local authorities, Saru was attacked on January 7 in the Gerbani area. Later, Rawat was killed by a tiger on January 10 in Kalimati Rural Municipality-7 that shares border with Gerbani. Khaptadi was attacked and killed on January 13 as he had been at a local ghatta (traditional water-powered grinding mill).

Deputy Superintendent of Police at the District Police Office, Salyan, Hem Bahadur KC, said that parts of Kalimati Rural Municipality and neighboring areas of Surkhet lie close to Banke and Bardiya National Parks. “People who go into nearby forest areas to collect fodder and firewood are at higher risk of wild animal attacks, including tigers,” he said.

Following the deaths, fear has gripped the local communities. Kalimati-7 ward chair Mitralal Rijal said residents are terrorized after the series of fatal attacks within a short period.

In addition to human casualties, the tiger also killed two domesticated animals, further increasing concern among locals, it is said.