Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

Ponda, May 7: A 48-year-old home guard lost his life in a tragic bison attack in Bethora on Wednesday evening, highlighting growing concerns over human-wildlife conflict in the region.

The deceased, identified as Dinesh Gaude, was attached to Ponda Police Station. The incident occurred around 6.30 p.m. near Kadnevhal junction while he was reportedly on his way to visit a friend.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Shivram Vaingankar, Gaude had parked his motorcycle by the roadside and was walking towards his friend’s house when the bison suddenly charged at him from behind.

Police said one of the animal’s horns pierced the lower part of his body, causing severe internal injuries. Gaude was rushed to Ponda Sub-District Hospital, where he later died during treatment due to excessive internal bleeding.

A resident of Usgao, Gaude is survived by his wife and two children.

The latest incident marks the second fatal bison attack reported in Bethora within the last one-and-a-half years.

In October 2024, Mangala Gaude, a 64-year-old woman from Bondbag in Ponda, was killed after suffering serious injuries in a similar attack. According to police records, she had been trying to drive animals away from her plantation when the bison attacked her.