JAIPUR — A 42-year-old sanitation worker was killed by a tiger at Nahargarh Biological Park in Jaipur on Wednesday morning, prompting an inquiry by forest and police officials into possible lapses in safety protocols.

The deceased was identified as Sugna Devi. According to her elder sister, Kamla Devi, Sugna was among seven women who had entered the park for grass-cutting work. Kamla Devi alleged that the tiger, named Shivaji, was initially inside a cage, but someone opened the cage gate, allowing the animal to attack. She said five women ran toward the exit, while one climbed a tree; Sugna tried to escape by climbing the enclosure's mesh fencing but was pulled down and fatally mauled.

The incident took place near Enclosure No. 16, where the woman was carrying out cleaning and maintenance work, according to officials. Other employees rushed to the location after hearing her screams, but she sustained fatal injuries and could not be saved.

Following the incident, Chief Wildlife Warden Arun Prasad, Deputy Conservator of Forests Ashish Vyas, Assistant Conservators of Forests Jitendra Singh Shekhawat and Gaurav Kumar, along with Amer SHO Rajendra Godara, reached the park. Officials inspected the site and gathered preliminary information. Police took possession of the body and sent it to the mortuary, and the family was informed.

District Forest Officer Ashish Kumar said a probe committee headed by an assistant forest officer has been constituted to investigate the incident and identify those responsible. "An initial police inquiry is underway, and Guard Hansa has been detained for questioning. It would be wrong to hold anyone guilty until the investigation is complete," Kumar said. He acknowledged the possibility of negligence: "I feel there has been negligence in this case, which should not happen in the future. Strict action will be taken against those responsible."

Under Forest Department rules, the deceased worker's dependants are entitled to Rs 10 lakh in financial assistance, and the process has been initiated, Kumar added. Discussions are also underway on providing a contractual job to one of the dependents.

Amer MLA Prashant Sharma said action should be taken against anyone found responsible. He noted that Sugna had been working at the park for eight years, that she was the sole earning member of her family, and that her husband is disabled. The couple has two children. Sharma said discussions are underway for employment on a contractual basis.

Hundreds of villagers from the Jamwaramgarh area reached the park and demanded action against officials responsible for the alleged negligence and sought Rs 1 crore in compensation, according to reports.

Amer SHO Rajendra Godara said statements of eyewitnesses are being recorded and circumstances are being investigated.

As part of the investigation, authorities are examining whether the required Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were followed before the worker entered the area. Reports suggesting that the enclosure or access gate may not have been properly secured are also being examined.

Nahargarh Biological Park, which currently houses 15 tigers, including two white tigers, is a major wildlife attraction near Jaipur. Young tigers are kept within a secure one-kilometre area. Authorities are reviewing safety arrangements and operational procedures within the park. The administrative inquiry will examine the circumstances and recommend measures to prevent future incidents.