Shepherd couple found dead in forests of Sirpur (T) in Asifabad

A shepherd couple from Achelli village, Dulam Shekhar (45) and Susheela (40), were found dead in the forests of Sirpur (T) in Asifabad. Police are investigating, sending injury samples for forensic analysis to determine whether death was due to animal attack or accident.

Kumram Bheem Asifabad: Bodies of a shepherd couple were discovered in the forests of Achelli village in Sirpur (T) mandal on Thursday night, causing a stir in the region.

Police said the bodies of Dulam Shekhar (45), a shepherd, and his wife Susheela (40), both residents of Achelli, were found by relatives who launched a search after the couple failed to return home on Wednesday evening. The two had gone into the forest that morning to graze cattle.

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Police and Forest officials inspected the spot, and the bodies were shifted to the mortuary in Sirpur (T) town. Forest officials said the couple might have been killed by a wild animal.

Kagaznagar Forest Divisional Officer Sushanth Bobade told reporters that the possibility of a wild animal attack could not be ruled out considering the injuries. He added that confirmation would come only after receiving a report from the Wildlife Research and Training Centre, Nagpur, where samples of hair, saliva, and swabs were sent.

Officials clarified that the injuries were not caused by big cats, including tigers, and pointed out that the region had not witnessed two deaths caused by a wild animal in the past. They suspected sloth bears may have attacked the shepherds, leading to their instant death.

The forest department is likely to extend compensation of Rs. 10 lakh each if it is confirmed that the deaths were caused by a wild animal.