The Madhya Pradesh government raised the compensation for families of individuals killed in wild animal attacks, increasing the amount from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 25 lakh. The announcement follows an incident in which two men were trampled to death by an elephant near the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Umaria district. 

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav confirmed the increase, stating, ''We have decided to raise the compensation for the loss of lives due to wild animal attacks from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 25 lakh. We have also covered the families of the two persons who were killed in Umaria under it.'' 

This more-than-three-fold rise in compensation was made public just hours after Forest Minister Pradeep Ahirwar distributed Rs 8 lakh to the victims' families in Umaria.

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The recent incidents involved an elephant that fatally attacked Ramratan Yadav (50) in Devra village and Bhairav Kol (35) in Brahe village, both situated near the protected area. Additionally, the elephant injured Malu Sahu (32) in a nearby locality, prompting further scrutiny of the reserve, which has experienced the deaths of 10 elephants within 72 hours.

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In response to the rising concerns, Chief Minister Yadav suspended two senior officials from the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve after a high-level investigation into the elephant deaths. The probe has not indicated any pesticide contamination in the elephants' food, with autopsy results expected in the coming days. 

The suspended officials include BTR Director Gaurav Choudhary, who was criticised for not returning to work after leave and Assistant Conservator of Forests Fateh Singh Ninama, both accused of failing to fulfil their duties.