Two women fight tiger to rescue their friend in Uttarakhand

A tiger attacked a woman in the Boon forest range of Uttarakhand (Representational image)

Two women in Uttarakhand displayed remarkable courage when they took on a tiger to rescue their friend, who was being attacked by the big cat. The incident took place in the Boon forest range of Champawat district on Tuesday, according to a Times of India report.

On Tuesday, the three women were collecting fodder when the tiger pounced on 36-year-old Geeta Devi. “The tiger pounced on Geeta and dragged her 40 m towards the forest,” said Boon forest ranger Gulzar Hussain.

As the animal began to drag Geeta towards the forest, her friends – Janki Devi, 36, and Parvati Devi, 37 – reacted quickly. The two women fought the tiger with sticks and sickles. They also pelted the animal with stones in order to rescue their friend.

Eventually, the two women were able to drive the tiger away. Geeta was rescued – bleeding profusely and grievously injured, but still alive. She was taken to a hospital in Tanakpur and is now out of danger.

“She sustained injuries to her head and received 24 stitches. But she is out of danger now,” said Dr Mohammad Aftab Alam of the Tanakpur hospital where she was treated.

Geeta has been referred to a medical centre in Haldwani for further treatment and a CT scan.

Forest ranger Gulzar Hussain praised the bravery of Janki and Parvati Devi. Meanwhile, patrolling in the area has been intensified and villagers have been advised not to enter the jungle.