Panic gripped Kodri village in Bahraich district after a 65-year-old woman was attacked by a leopard while sitting outside her house on Sunday morning. The woman suffered injuries on her neck and hands but was rescued after villagers rushed to the spot, forcing the animal to flee.
Details of the Incident
Surja Devi was sitting outside her home when a leopard suddenly emerged from nearby bushes and pounced on her. The animal inflicted deep wounds on her hands and neck. Hearing her screams, family members and villagers rushed to the scene and forced the leopard to flee towards the forest.
Medical Response
The injured woman was taken to the community health centre in Shivpur, where doctors provided primary treatment and stated that she was out of danger.
Recurring Leopard Sightings
Villagers reported that leopard movement near human settlements has been frequent despite efforts by the forest department to trap the animal. The department has installed four cages in the region for monitoring and capturing the animal.
Deputy ranger Amit Kumar Verma said a forest department team was dispatched after receiving information about the attack. “The team inspected the site and collected evidence. Preliminary findings suggest that the attack was carried out by a leopard. Villagers have been advised to remain vigilant and avoid venturing alone into fields and forested areas,” Verma said.
Previous Attacks in the Region
This incident is not an isolated one. On May 28, a couple identified as Ramawati (48) and Rameshwar were attacked while working in a field in Pandit Purwa under Motipur Range. On May 25, Fazlur Rahman (70), his son Zuber, and Naseem were injured in an attack in Mauji Purwa village. On May 22, a 12-year-old girl, Ruchi, was attacked while cutting grass near the Saryu riverbank in Mangalpurwa village of Shivpur.
Local authorities continue to urge residents to exercise caution and report any leopard sightings immediately. The forest department has intensified patrolling and is using camera traps to track the animal's movements.
