A leopard attacked a group of workers, injuring three women, at Santipur Tea Estate in the Borhat area of Charaideo district on Tuesday. The incident occurred around midday when the women were plucking tea leaves along with their colleagues.
Victims Identified
The injured workers have been identified as Minoti Barhoi (33), Jonaki Baske (28), and Bornali Murmu (31), all residents of the tea estate. They sustained multiple lacerations and puncture wounds on their limbs and backs, according to hospital sources.
Sequence of Events
Witnesses reported that the workers initially noticed movement among the tea bushes but did not recognize the animal as a threat. One worker stated, 'When we saw movement of an animal among the bushes, we thought it was a pig, but then it suddenly emerged and leaped at them.' The attack caused panic, and the women screamed for help. Their screams, along with the commotion from fellow workers, apparently startled the leopard, which retreated into the bushes.
Medical Response
The Santipur Tea Estate management called an ambulance to transport the injured women to Sonari Civil Hospital. Medical sources confirmed that all three victims are now stable and out of danger after receiving treatment for their injuries.
Forest Department Action
Forest department officials responded promptly, visiting the site and launching an assessment of the area. Officials are expected to conduct a combing operation in and around the estate to locate the leopard and ensure the safety of workers.
This incident highlights the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in the region, as tea estates often border forested areas where leopards roam.
