Daijiworld Media Network - Kothagiri

Kothagiri, Nov 15: In a frightening incident that sent shockwaves across a quiet tea estate in Kothagiri, a 60-year-old woman worker was mauled by a wild bear on Saturday morning.

The victim, identified as Devi, a migrant worker from Nepal, had arrived at the estate for her routine tea-plucking work when the hidden bear suddenly lunged at her. The unexpected attack left her with serious injuries on her left hand and left leg.

Co-workers and estate staff quickly rushed her to the Kothagiri Government Hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment. Doctors have confirmed that she is stable but will require continuous monitoring.

Soon after the incident, a team of forest officials visited Devi at the hospital, offering comfort and assuring full support. Authorities also stated that the department would ensure her medical expenses are covered and that she receives appropriate compensation as per forest and wildlife regulations.

Meanwhile, forest personnel have begun patrolling and camping around the tea estate to locate the bear and drive it back into the deeper forest areas to prevent further danger to estate workers.

The incident has heightened concern among tea estate communities in the region, with calls for increased vigilance and preventive measures to avoid similar wildlife encounters in the future.