50-yr-old woman mauled to death by wild animal in Nainital

Nainital: A 50-year-old woman was mauled to death by a wild animal in a forest in Jeolikote area of Nainital district, where she had gone to collect grass, on Wednesday. Eyewitnesses said Hema Pandey, a resident of Gram Sabha Jeoli, was dragged about 1km into the jungle.Range officer Nitin Pant said the animal responsible for the attack had not been identified. “The nature of the injuries and the condition of the body, however, suggest that a large animal was involved,” he added.Villagers later found Hema’s body and alerted social worker Hemang Goniya. Goniya said, “This is not an isolated case. Five to six similar incidents have been reported in the area earlier.”DFO Akash Gangwar said, “The matter is being investigated, and patrolling in the area has been increased. People have been advised to remain vigilant.”