A tragic incident unfolded near the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam’s Morigaon district on Sunday when a 37-year-old biker, identified as Saddam Hussain, was chased and mauled to death by a rhinoceros. The incident occurred while Hussain was traveling on his two-wheeler, approximately 30 kilometers from his home in the Kamrup Metropolitan district.
Eyewitnesses captured the shocking encounter on video, which has since gone viral. In the footage, Hussain can be seen hastily dismounting his bike and fleeing into an open field as the aggressive rhino, having wandered out of the sanctuary, pursued him at alarming speed. Rhinoceroses are known for their impressive sprinting capabilities, reaching speeds of up to 55 kilometers per hour.
Despite efforts from local residents who shouted in an attempt to scare off the massive animal, which can weigh as much as 2,800 kilograms, Hussain tragically could not escape. He was later discovered in the field with severe injuries, including a head injury.
A forest official commented on the incident, stating, “The rhino came out of the wildlife sanctuary. We are investigating the incident.” The Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for having the highest density of one-horned rhinos in India, and the area is located in the outskirts of Assam’s capital, Guwahati.
In recent years, the population of one-horned Asian rhinos in India has seen a significant increase, with the latest data released on World Rhino Day indicating a surge from approximately 1,500 rhinos four decades ago to over 4,000 today. Despite conservation efforts, such encounters between humans and wildlife highlight ongoing challenges in managing human-animal conflict in regions close to wildlife habitats.
The incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers that can arise when wildlife habitats overlap with human activities, prompting calls for increased awareness and safety measures in areas frequented by these majestic yet unpredictable animals.
Sources By Agencies
