Woman gives phrase 'tiger mum' new meaning after fighting off big cat with bare hands

Archana began attacking the tiger with her bare hands for a couple of minutes, punching and kicking the big cat as it attempted to bite her son.

During the terrifying encounter, residents who heard her screaming rushed out to help, prompting the tiger to retrieve back into the woods.

Residents transported the mum and her son to Manpur primary health centre, where they received first aid and were later taken to a hospital in Umaria.

Her husband told the outlet that the two are both in stable condition; however, doctors were initially worried about Archana as she had sustained multiple injuries to her abdomen, back and hands. 

The toddler also sustained gushes to his head.

A search is currently underway to locate the tiger, with residents advised to stay indoors.

As the trio stood by the side of the road, a group of tigers leapt at them. Sonu and Kandhai were killed within minutes while one of the tigers kept chomping at Vikas’ head, who was protected due to his motorcycle helmet.

A petrified Vikas then managed to break free, giving him enough time to climb up a tree and hide.

Vikas spent all night in the tree, waiting for emergency services, who located the young man in the morning after locals found him.

He told the outlet: “The tigers continued to roam below, searching for me. I heard their roar all night. They went into the forest around 3.30 am. At sunrise, I got a new lease on life with some of my villagers helping me down. I will never be able to forget this.”

He added: “The tigers will always live in my head. I will hear them growl for the rest of my years on this Earth.”