7 killed in panther attacks in Raj had entered forest area: Govt

Seven people who were killed in Panther attacks in Rajasthan's Alwar district over the last six months had entered the forest area to get firewood and fodder when the animal pounced on them, state Forest Minister Gajendra Singh said today.

He was speaking on the issue raised by Congress MLA Shankuntala Rawat during the Zero Hour in the assembly.

The minister said the government is working on a plan to shift people living in the forest area to a safer place.

The animal did not stray into residential areas. Those killed had entered the forest area to collect firewood or fodder when the attacks took place, he told the House.

He said the family of the man who was killed in a Panther attack on Saturday has been given "double compensation".

The incident had taken place in Sariska, following which a mob had killed the feline.

The Congress MLA said: "It was the carelessness of the forest officials which killed the panther".