Panic is spreading across Lakhimpur Kheri after a tiger mauled two people in back-to-back attacks, leaving a teenager dead and a man critically injured. With six deaths reported in six months due to tiger attacks, residents are demanding urgent action from the forest department.

In the most recent attack on Sunday morning, Rozali (45), a resident of Baba Purwa village in the Tikunia Kotwali area, was attacked while working in his fields. The tiger pounced on him, tearing into his face and ears. Startled by his cries, nearby farmers rushed to his aid, armed with sticks, and managed to scare the tiger away. Rozali was rushed to the district hospital, where doctors say his condition remains critical.

“We are living a nightmare,” said Shakir Ali, a village elder. “Every step outside feels like stepping into a predator’s territory. The forest department told us this is a danger zone, but where are the warning signs or patrol teams? They seem to be waiting for more lives to be lost.”

Just a day earlier, Parasram, a 14-year-old boy from Padhua village, was fatally attacked while grazing cattle. The tiger dragged him nearly 500 meters into the forest before villagers' loud cries forced it to flee. Parasram could not be saved. His grieving mother collapsed upon hearing the tragic news, and the village mourns the young boy’s loss.

Adding to the string of attacks, a woman in Karibaredi village was ambushed on Friday while working in a sugarcane field. illagers managed to chase the tiger away, and she is currently undergoing treatment at the Mitauli Community Health Center.

Sugarcane fields in the area, known for their dense cover, have become a haven for tigers, creating a deadly overlap between human activity and wildlife. Residents feel abandoned by the authorities, accusing the forest department of negligence.

“Every attack is met with the same response: paperwork and no action,” said Mukesh Verma, another farmer. “We’ve asked for patrolling teams and proper safety measures, but nothing concrete has been done. How are we supposed to protect ourselves with just sticks?”

The forest department has yet to comment on the recent attacks or announce any new measures. In the meantime, fear continues to loom large over these villages as residents face the grim reality of venturing into their fields amidst an ever-present danger.