A suspected tiger attack on the forested Mayodia Road in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Dibang Valley district has claimed the life of a lone biker, prompting an intensified response from forest and police authorities and renewed warnings over night travel in wildlife zones.
The deceased has been identified as Chiksen Mangpang, a head constable from Manfaiseng village in Namsai district. He was serving with the police force and was returning home after duty when the incident occurred late on Sunday night.
Attack suspected during lone night travel
According to preliminary reports, Mangpang was riding alone through the Mayodia stretch when a wild animal attacked him. A truck driver travelling on the same route told police that he saw a large animal dragging the biker off the road, leading authorities to suspect a tiger attack.
Soon after, Mangpang’s motorcycle, bearing registration number AR-20-9866, was found abandoned on the roadside, further strengthening suspicions of a wildlife-related incident.
Body recovered after joint search operation
Following the report, joint teams from the forest department and police launched an extensive search operation. However, darkness and dense forest cover hampered rescue efforts through the night.
Subsequently, Mangpang’s severely mauled body was recovered from the area, confirming his death.
Confirming the incident, Roing Divisional Forest Officer Mito Rumi (APFS) said authorities responded immediately after receiving information. “Forest teams were deployed to the site and investigations began the same day. Night search operations were conducted, but the victim could not be traced then. Later, joint teams recovered the body. It is a deeply upsetting incident,” he said.
Animal yet to be conclusively identified
Officials said the animal responsible is yet to be conclusively identified. “We still need to confirm which animal was involved,” Rumi said, adding that a medical team would analyse the injuries to determine the exact cause of death.
In response, authorities have intensified night patrolling along the Mayodia Road. A senior veterinary team from Itanagar, equipped with darting guns and tranquilising drugs, has been deployed. Officers from Namdapha, Pakke and Kamlang tiger reserves have also been directed to assist.
Advisory issued to commuters
Mangpang’s family rushed to the area after losing contact with him. Relatives said he last spoke to a friend in Roing on Sunday evening but never reached home.
Police have advised commuters to avoid night travel on the Mayodia route and to refrain from travelling alone. The incident has once again highlighted growing concerns over man-animal conflict along forested roads frequented by locals and tourists.
A lone biker was killed in a suspected tiger attack on Arunachal’s Mayodia Road, prompting search operations and night travel warnings.