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Here is the more info on Jai
NAGPUR: Villagers of Karhandla on Sunday forced closure of the Umred-Karhandla wildlife sanctuary tourist gate on Sunday morning after male tiger 'Jai' killed a bullock 100 metres from the gate on Saturday evening.

Over 300 villagers had launched a protest after Jai attacked two bullocks. One of the bulls died after treatment at farmer Daulat Gurnule's home while the other had a narrow escape since the farmer had started shouting and frightened the tiger away.

Villagers claimed the foresters did not provide timely help, and protested by dumping the dead bullock in front of the Karhandla gate. Sources said the villagers also resorted to mild violence by throwing chairs. The bullock was removed only around 3pm on Sunday, after police intervention.

The villagers were demanding 50,000 compensation as the bullock was used to cultivate the fields. Farming is the only source of livelihood for Gurnule.

Umred-Karhandla range forest officer (RFO) GF Luche said amid protests the gate was closed on Sunday for morning trip. Tourists who had booked entry online were diverted to Pullar gate instead of Karhandla.

"In the evening, after tensions reduced, eight tourist vehicles were allowed to enter park from Karhandla gate," said Luche. He added that a meeting with local guides has been called on Monday to discuss the situation if Karhandla gate is forced closed.

A section of the tourists said they faced a lot of inconvenience on Sunday as they had to travel 32km more, which is half as much as the distance from Nagpur to Karhandla. The sanctuary is 60km from Nagpur.

Though the villagers are demanding 50,000 compensation for the bullock, Luche said, "We will have to abide by the GR, which states that only 10,000 can be paid. The payment will be released on Monday. If the villagers force closure of the gate, it will be tourists, local guides and Gypsy owners who will suffer."

Meanwhile, wildlife experts demanded resolution of the issue early as resentment among villagers can also lead to revenge killing of wildlife. tnn

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