Two French tourists to the Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh had a narrow escape this morning when a tiger attacked them while they were moving in an open Gypsy. Thanks to a local hotelier, who rushed to their rescue, they are now out of danger.All three are being treated at the Umaria Civil Hospital. While Haden Court, about 60, escaped with a fractured thumb, Pizeaud, about 50, got bite marks on his shoulders. Hotelier Rajwardhan got 17 stitches on his hand.Principal Chief Conservator of Forests A.P. Dwivedi said a senior wildlife official would investigate the incident.Rajwardhan told The Indian Express: ‘‘We were travelling in two columns of three Gypsies each. I was in one of the lead vehicles. We saw the tiger coming towards us and it started attacking the vehicle from the rear. I rushed to their help. I struggled with the tiger for nearly 10 minutes, tugging at its ears and tail, then caught hold of a bamboo lying there. When I struck the animal with the bamboo, it jumped on me and retreated only when I kicked it. It was ready to charge again when I screamed, throwing it off balance. It stood there and stared at me before walking away.”
