Nilgiri, Jan 22: Panic gripped Nilgiri town early Thursday morning after a bear was spotted moving through the town and heading back toward the hills. The animal was first seen around 6 AM in NC 8 Ward, Sanahata village area.

During the incident, several residents came face-to-face with the bear. Pushpa Baitha, a woman collecting flowers, was mauled and left bleeding. An elderly woman, Kanak Kuam, was also attacked, sustaining a broken leg. Later, Nityanand Sahu, returning home, was assaulted by the bear as well.

All three victims have been admitted to the hospital in critical condition. Authorities have urged residents to remain indoors, while locals are on high alert following the bear sighting.