Tezpur, India: A police officer was killed in a tiger attack inside the Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary in eastern Arunachal Pradesh, officials confirmed on Monday. The incident occurred late at night on February 2, when the officer was traveling on a motorcycle through the forested Roing–Mayodia road.
The victim has been identified as Head Constable Chikseng Manapang, a resident of Namchay district who was posted at Roing Police Station. Forest officials said the tiger attacked him while he was riding through the sanctuary area. After the attack, the animal was reportedly seen sitting near the officer’s motorcycle, a scene captured in a video that later circulated widely on social media.
Following the incident, the Forest Department issued an advisory urging the public to avoid traveling or parking vehicles along the Roing–Mayodia road, citing serious safety concerns. Officials confirmed that two tigers were spotted in the area after the attack.
Arunachal Pradesh’s Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Wanki Lowang, along with advisor Wanglin Lowangdong, held an emergency meeting in Itanagar with senior forest officials to review the situation. The meeting was attended by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), the Head of Forest Force, and the Chief Wildlife Warden.
In a statement, the PCCF’s office said emergency orders had been issued and forest teams equipped with advanced gear were deployed to the Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary. Specialized forest guard teams from Namdapha Tiger Reserve and Kamlang Tiger Reserve have also been sent with weapons and equipment to assist in managing the situation. Additional logistical support has been arranged through the Dibang Forest Division.
A technical and expert committee has been formed under the leadership of the Chief Conservator of Forests for eastern Arunachal Pradesh to continuously monitor the situation and provide guidance. Authorities have again urged residents to stay away from wild animals and avoid stopping or parking along the affected road stretch.
Considering the threat to human life, the state’s Chief Wildlife Warden has authorized the capture of the tiger under Section 11(a) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The animal will be tranquilized and rehabilitated in accordance with guidelines issued by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
The Arunachal Pradesh government has initiated the process to provide ₹1 million (approximately $12,000) in financial assistance to the family of the deceased officer. Senior officials have been directed to ensure all possible support for the bereaved family.