A 42-year-old labourer identified as Sugna Devi was killed in a tragic incident at Hansa Park in Madhya Pradesh, India. Devi and other women labourers had entered an enclosure at the park to cut grass when tiger Shivaji's cage inside the enclosure opened, letting out the tiger which attacked and killed her.

Sugna's sister Kamla described the events leading up to the incident, stating that there were seven women working in total - three were cutting grass and four of them, including herself, were removing it. Sugna was carrying the cut grass on her head when she noticed someone had opened the tiger's cage.

She immediately threw away the grass and ran towards her sisters, shouting for help. However, their cries went unheard as the authorities failed to respond in time.

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Situation unfolded, five women managed

As the situation unfolded, five of the women managed to climb over the fence to escape, while one woman climbed a tree to safety. Unfortunately, Sugna too attempted to flee The incident has left the family and community in shock, with many demanding justice and compensation for the tragic loss of life.

Following the death, Devi's family members and relatives took to the streets to protest and demand answers from the authorities. Deputy Conservator of Forests Dr Ashish Vyas acknowledged the severity of the incident and announced that Hansa has been suspended "prima facie for negligence in duty and failure in following safety protocols." An investigation into the causes and circumstances of the incident has been launched, which will examine security arrangements, compliance with prescribed SOPs/safety protocols, CCTV footage, and other available records.

Dr Vyas emphasized that further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation. In addition to the suspension of Hansa, he announced that the administration and forest department officials met with Devi's family members and villagers to provide them with necessary assistance and support as per the rules.

Furthermore, a review of all security arrangements at the park has been ordered, with the aim of strengthening them if required.

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The incident highlights the need for improved safety measures in wildlife parks and reserves, particularly those that employ local labourers who may not be adequately trained or equipped to handle such situations. The case also raises questions about the accountability of authorities and the need for stricter regulations and protocols to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

"We are still trying to come to terms with this tragedy," said Kamla, Sugna's sister. "We want justice for our sister and a guarantee that such an incident will never happen again." The family's demands for compensation and accountability have sparked widespread outrage and sympathy among locals, who are calling for greater transparency and action from the authorities.

The incident has also sparked a wider conversation about the treatment of women workers in the informal sector, particularly those working in high-risk industries such as wildlife parks. Many experts argue that these workers require better protection, training, and support to ensure their safety and well-being.