Leopardess Tied to Bamboo in Pilibhit Forest, Villagers Face Wildlife Crime Charges
Authorities in the North Kheri forest division of Pilibhit are actively working to identify more than a dozen villagers who allegedly tied an adult leopardess to a bamboo stick using a rope. The incident, which has sparked outrage among wildlife officials, occurred in Lohara village on Tuesday.
Alleged Attack on Farmers
Villagers claim that the leopardess injured two farmers while they were working in their fields. The injured individuals have been identified as Naresh Kumar, 45, and Bablu Chandra, 40. Both were promptly shifted to a government medical facility for treatment following the incident.
Rescue and Medical Examination
The leopardess, estimated to be around 3.5 years old, was later rescued by forest personnel and transported to the Majhgai forest range headquarters. Officials reported that the animal was first trapped in a net and then moved into a cage for safety. There are concerns that villagers may have beaten the leopardess with sticks to immobilize it before tying it with the rope, though this has not been confirmed.
Range officer Ankit Singh of the Majhgai forest range stated, "The leopardess is undergoing a detailed medical examination by DTR veterinary officer Dr. Daya Shankar. During the preliminary examination, no external injuries were found. Further tests are being conducted to check for internal hemorrhage or fractures."
Serious Wildlife Crime Case Registered
Field director of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, H. Rajamohan, and divisional forest officer Kirti Chaudhary have emphasized that this incident constitutes a serious wildlife crime. They have assured that those involved will face strict action under the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
Rajamohan elaborated, "A departmental case has been registered against unidentified persons under relevant sections of the Act. Once identified through photos and videos, the accused will be named in the case."
The forest division is currently reviewing available evidence, including photographs and video footage, to pinpoint the individuals responsible for this act. The case highlights ongoing tensions between human settlements and wildlife in forested regions, underscoring the need for effective conflict mitigation strategies.
