Naharagarh Biological Park: Tiger 'Shivaji' Attack Claims Life of Female Worker

Tiger Attack at Nahargarh Biological Park Leads to Fatal Incident

The Cliff News | Jaipur | September 3, 2026 In a tragic incident at Jaipur's Nahargarh Biological Park on Wednesday morning, a severe security lapse led to a tiger attacking a group of women workers who were cutting grass. The unfortunate event resulted in the death of 42-year-old worker Sugna Devi. This attack by the tiger, named 'Shivaji', has raised serious questions about the park's security protocols and operational procedures.

Details of the Attack and Security Breach

According to eyewitnesses, Sugna Devi was working in enclosure number 16 with her female colleagues when the cage for the tiger's holding area was opened. The workers were unaware that the tiger was being released into the same enclosure.

The sudden appearance of the tiger caused panic among the women. They scattered in an attempt to save their lives, with some trying to climb the fencing to escape, while one woman managed to climb a tree. Tragically, Sugna Devi could not escape the tiger's grasp and died at the scene.

Upon receiving the information, a team from the Forest Department arrived at the spot, controlled the tiger, and recovered the body of the woman.

Gross Negligence of Safety Protocols

This incident has cast a grave shadow of concern over the functioning and safety standards of Nahargarh Biological Park. Typically, before any workers enter an enclosure for maintenance or cleaning, the tiger is transferred to a secure holding area, and confirmation is obtained that all personnel have exited the enclosure.

Deputy Conservator of Forests, Ashish Vyas, stated that the employee in charge of the tiger enclosure, Hansa, had opened the cage to move the tiger to the display area. However, they were unaware of the female workers' presence inside the enclosure at that time. Prima facie, this has been deemed a case of gross negligence of duty and a failure to adhere to established safety protocols. The concerned employee has been suspended with immediate effect.

Investigation and Detailed Inquiry Launched

Given the seriousness of the incident, the Forest Department has assigned an officer at the Assistant Conservator of Forests level to investigate the entire matter. The investigation will meticulously examine the sequence of events, review security arrangements, ascertain whether the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were followed, analyze the roles of the staff, and closely scrutinize CCTV footage.

The police department has also independently commenced an inquiry to determine whether safety standards were met during the time of the incident.

Family and Villagers' Outrage, Demand for Compensation

As the news of Sugna Devi's heart-wrenching death spread, her relatives and villagers from her native village gathered outside Nahargarh Biological Park. They expressed their anger, demanding adequate compensation for the victim's family and a government job for a family member.

The protestors emphasized that Sugna Devi was the sole breadwinner of her family, and her untimely demise has plunged them into a severe financial crisis. The local MLA and senior officials from the Forest Department held discussions with the protestors, assuring them that their demands would be considered sympathetically and all possible assistance would be provided. The demonstration concluded after the intervention of officials.

Compensation and Rehabilitation Announced

The Forest Department has immediately announced financial assistance of INR 10 lakh to the family of the deceased Sugna Devi. Additionally, steps will be initiated to allocate a dairy booth to a family member.

The department has also decided to provide employment on a contract basis to two family members within the Forest Department to secure their future.

Biological Park's Security System to be Strengthened

Following this terrifying incident, a thorough review of the entire security system of Nahargarh Biological Park has been initiated. The Forest Department has indicated that any identified deficiencies in security will be promptly addressed to further strengthen the arrangements. Special focus will be placed on improved coordination and warning systems during the entry and exit of staff into wildlife enclosures, as well as during the transfer of animals from one area to another.

This incident raises the critical question of how it was possible for the tiger and the female workers to be in the same area at the same time, despite the existence of stringent protocols for the safety of tourists and staff. The identities of those truly responsible for the negligence and the actions to be taken against them will only become clear once the investigation report is finalized.