Raipur: Fear has gripped several villages in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district after a leopard attacked four people in separate incidents over the past six days, forcing residents to alter their daily routines and avoid venturing out after sunset.
The attacks, reported from villages under the Dudhawa and Narharpur areas, have left local communities on edge. Villagers say they are afraid to step outside alone and are escorting children even for short distances.
Three of the attacks were reported from Gattagudum village in the Dudhawa region, while another incident occurred in Devdongar village of Narharpur. All four injured villagers are undergoing treatment.
Residents of Gattagudum say the big cat has been frequently sighted near human settlements over the past week. According to villagers, the animal first entered the village on June 16 and preyed on a dog, raising concerns about its growing proximity to residential areas.
In the days that followed, the leopard attacked Dhanesh Kunjam, Budhan Uike and Phoolbai in separate incidents. Villagers said the victims managed to escape after residents rushed to the spot and raised an alarm. A similar attack was reported on June 18 in Devdongar village, where another resident was injured.
Though none of the attacks proved fatal, the repeated encounters have heightened anxiety among people living close to forested areas.
Villages Fall Silent After Sunset
The impact of the leopard sightings is evident across Gattagudum and nearby settlements. As evening approaches, streets that once remained active now empty quickly. Families are keeping doors shut, and residents say movement after dark has reduced drastically.
Many villagers are avoiding travelling alone and are instead moving in groups carrying sticks and flashlights. Parents have also expressed concern about children's safety, particularly during early morning and evening hours.
Kanker district, located in North Bastar, is surrounded by dense forests and hilly terrain that serve as habitat for several wild species, including bears, wild boars and leopards. Forest officials point to shared natural resources and increasing human activity near forest boundaries.
Local residents believe the leopard may be entering villages in search of food, particularly stray dogs and livestock, before coming into contact with humans.
Officials have installed camera traps at locations where leopard movement has been reported and have deployed teams to conduct night surveillance. Public announcements are also being made to warn residents against venturing out alone after dark.
Forest personnel have advised villagers to move in groups, avoid isolated areas during early morning and evening hours, and immediately report any leopard sightings.
Leopard-related incidents are not new to the Dudhawa region. Forest officials have previously captured two leopards from the area following reports of repeated sightings and attacks.
