A head constable of the Arunachal Pradesh Police was killed in a rare tiger attack while riding his motorcycle in Lower Dibang Valley district on Monday. The victim, Chikseng Manpang, was serving as a radio operator and was returning from Anini in Dibang Valley when the incident occurred near Mayudia.

According to officials, the attack took place along a stretch of road that has recently seen multiple tiger sightings. Police and forest department teams rushed to the site after receiving information about the incident. Tiger attacks resulting in human fatalities are considered uncommon in the region.

Superintendent of Police Manish Saurya said that, in coordination with the forest department, authorities have imposed a ban on two-wheelers along the affected route. The decision was taken following repeated sightings of tigers near Mayudia, a popular tourist destination known for its winter snowfall.

Divisional Forest Officer of Roing, Mito Rumi, confirmed that a tigress along with three sub-adult cubs has been sighted along or near the road, particularly during night hours, over the past few days. He said expert teams equipped with specialised equipment are being deployed from Itanagar and three other state tiger reserves to relocate the animals to safer habitats.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed grief over the death of the police personnel, stating that the loss was deeply saddening and extended condolences to the bereaved family. He noted that the incident highlighted the risks faced by personnel even beyond active duty.

Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also conveyed condolences, describing the death of the head constable from Manfaiseng village in Namsai district as a profound loss to both the family and the police fraternity. He urged wildlife authorities to take immediate steps to relocate the tigers and prevent similar incidents in the future, while emphasising the need to balance wildlife conservation with the protection of human lives.