Odisha woman fights off six bears, gives husband new lease of life

In a remarkable display of courage reminiscent of the legendary Savitri, a woman in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district risked her life to save her husband from a bear attack.

The incident occurred at Kodipasha Bhalianala village under Karanjia police limits. Malde Soren and his wife, Lili Soren, had ventured into a nearby forest to collect leaves when they unexpectedly encountered a group of six bears.

Wife Turns Saviour

According to reports, one of the bears suddenly attacked Malde, leaving him struggling to defend himself. As the situation turned critical, Lili sprang into action. Armed with a stick, she fearlessly confronted the animals and repeatedly struck them in an attempt to rescue her husband. Her brave intervention forced the bears to release Malde and retreat into the forest.

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Following the attack, Lili rushed her injured husband to Karanjia hospital for treatment. Doctors treated Malde for his injuries, and his condition is now reported to be stable.

Praises From All Quarters

The incident has drawn widespread admiration from locals, who have praised Lili’s presence of mind and extraordinary bravery. Many have compared her act to the mythological tale of Savitri, who brought her husband back from the clutches of death.

“We had gone to the forest to pluck leaves. On our way back, we came face-to-face with 5-6 bears. The bears chased me, and one of them out of nowhere, pounced on me. Luckily, my wife was there, who came to my rescue and saved me. Otherwise, they would have mauled me to death,” the Malde said.