Fisherman survives hour-long tiger attack in Sundarbans, battling for life with severe injuries

A fisherman narrowly survived a brutal tiger attack in the Sundarbans after struggling for nearly an hour with the animal while his companions fought to rescue him. The injured fisherman, identified as Nikhil Mondal, is currently undergoing treatment in critical condition after suffering multiple bite wounds on his head, neck and body.

Nikhil Mondal, a resident of Shamsernagar under Hemnagar Coastal police station in North 24 Parganas, had gone deep into the forest with five other fishermen to catch crabs. The group was travelling in two boats through a creek in the Baritala forest area. According to his companion Govinda Mondal, they first noticed two tiger cubs sitting on the bank of the creek in the fading light. Before the fishermen could move away from the area, an adult tiger suddenly emerged from the forest and leapt onto the boat. The tiger immediately attacked Nikhil, creating panic among the fishermen. As the boat rocked violently during the struggle, Nikhil fell into the water. The tiger followed and continued its assault, biting and clawing him on the head, neck, hands and legs while attempting to drag him towards the forest. Despite severe injuries, the fisherman kept resisting in a desperate fight to survive.

Meanwhile, his companions repeatedly struck the tiger with bamboo sticks to save him. After a prolonged struggle and continuous blows, the tiger finally released its grip and retreated into the forest along with its cubs. The badly injured Nikhil was rescued and taken back to the village before being shifted to Yogeshganj Hospital and later to Basirhat Hospital for advanced treatment. Doctors said his condition remains critical.