A dangerous encounter with a wild leopard left three villagers injured in the Rupaidiha area of Bahraich district on Wednesday. The incident has triggered panic and prompted a swift response from local authorities.
Morning Routine Turns Terrifying
The sequence of events began in Pachpakdi village when a local resident, Radhe Shyam, was heading out for his morning routine. Without warning, a leopard emerged and launched a sudden attack on him. His cries for help alerted other villagers, who rushed to his aid armed with sticks, attempting to chase the big cat away.
Chaos and Secondary Attacks
In the ensuing chaos, the panicked leopard struck two more individuals. The victims included a 14-year-old girl named Sanjana and a 25-year-old youth identified as Ankit. Following these attacks, the animal fled towards nearby fields, leaving the community in a state of shock. All three injured persons sustained wounds and were subsequently referred to the Bahraich district hospital for treatment.
Search Operation Launched
Teams from the local police and the forest department rushed to the spot immediately after being alerted. A forest ranger along with other personnel inspected the area to track the animal. Pachpakdi village is located in close proximity to the Chakia forest, and initial suspicions point to the leopard having strayed into the human habitation after losing its way. The forest department teams are now actively making efforts to locate and capture the leopard to prevent further incidents.
The attack underscores the ongoing challenge of human-wildlife conflict in regions bordering forest areas, raising concerns about safety protocols and immediate response mechanisms for villagers.
