Tragic Leopard Attack Claims Life of 8-Year-Old Boy in Bahraich Village
In a heartbreaking incident, an eight-year-old boy was fatally mauled by a leopard in Azamgarh Purva village, Bahraich, located approximately 900 meters from the Nishangarha forest range of the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary. The attack occurred on Friday evening around 7 pm, as confirmed by officials on Saturday.
Details of the Attack and Immediate Aftermath
The child was playing in the open yard of his family home when the leopard, which had been lurking in nearby fields, suddenly entered the yard. According to the boy's father, Ram Vilas, the leopard grabbed the child by the neck and dragged him to a nearby wheat field. Family members and villagers rushed to the scene upon hearing the boy's screams, making loud noises that prompted the leopard to release him and disappear into the fields.
The boy sustained severe injuries to his neck and throat, along with claw marks on his face. He was immediately taken to a local government medical facility but was declared dead on arrival by doctors.
Villagers Protest and Demand Action
Following the tragic incident, villagers staged a dharna on the village road, placing the boy's body at the protest site. Police were only allowed to remove the body after forest officials assured that action would be taken to capture the leopard and that compensation would be provided to the grieving family.
Forest Department Response and Safety Measures
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Apoorv Dixit, stated that patrolling has been intensified in the area. He noted that despite conducting two awareness camps in the village on February 24 and 28 to educate residents about leopard safety, villagers did not fully heed the safety advisories.
To address the immediate threat, camera traps have been installed along the leopard's trails, and a live-bait cage has been placed to capture the animal. Dixit added that if the leopard is spotted near the village again, they will seek permission from the state's chief wildlife warden to tranquillise and relocate it.
Compensation and Broader Issues
The victim's family is set to receive compensation of Rs 5 lakh, with the case being referred to the state forest administration. Meanwhile, villagers have highlighted frequent night-time power cuts in the area as a contributing factor to the frequent wildlife intrusions into human settlements.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Anuradha Vemuri, informed that forest authorities are coordinating with private companies to install solar streetlights in vulnerable villages. She has also instructed the DFO to engage with the electricity department to address the persistent power issues in the village.
Context of Recent Attacks
This incident is the third fatal leopard attack on children in the district in less than three months. On December 19, a seven-year-old girl named Aleem was killed by a leopard in Ayodhya Purva village while playing outside her home. On February 5, another eight-year-old boy, Arun, was killed in a similar attack in Nishad Nagar village.
The repeated attacks underscore the growing human-wildlife conflict in the region, prompting urgent calls for enhanced safety measures and community awareness to prevent further tragedies.
