A 47-year-old forest guard succumbed to his wounds after he was repeatedly stabbed by teakwood smugglers on the Maharashtra-Telangana border, in a stark reminder of the risks faced by the frontline staff of the department. Officials said Samayya Madanyya Gora was a contractual employee and efforts are being made to provide financial help to his family.

Gora is survived by his wife Mungi Madhunakka, 38, and their 16-year-old daughter who recently cleared her SSC exams.