Leopard Attack in Nuapada District Causes Panic: Woman Killed and Child Injured
Residents of Dharambandha panchayat in Nuapada district are living in fear following recent reports of a leopard attacking and killing a woman, as well as critically injuring a child. The incident has left the community in a state of panic.
The deceased has been identified as 45-year-old Rameswari Majhi from Silaribahara village, which is adjacent to the Sunabeda sanctuary. Tragically, Majhi was mauled to death while she was answering nature’s call in a nearby forest. When she did not return home, her family launched a search and discovered her mutilated body in the forest. They immediately notified the local police and forest officials about the incident.
Recounting the horrifying incident, Dharambandha IIC Tankagiri Bhoi revealed that the woman had been decapitated by the leopard. He informed reporters that the body had been seized for further investigation and sent for postmortem analysis.
In another disturbing incident, the same leopard attacked an eight-year-old boy in Kodopali village while he was playing in front of his house. The child sustained critical injuries to his right ear and chest. Thankfully, locals acted swiftly and rescued the boy from the predator’s clutches.
To address the growing concern, officials from the Nuapada Territorial Divisional Forest have visited the two sites to assess the situation. As a precautionary measure, trap cameras are being installed to monitor the leopard’s movements, and microphone announcements are being made to inform people about the potential danger. The forest department is also working towards diverting the leopard away from human habitation.
In light of this tragic incident, Nuapada Territorial Divisional Forest Officer Susheel K Tripathy announced that the deceased’s family would receive compensation worth Rs 6 lakh, with Rs 60,000 already disbursed. This compensation aims to provide some solace to the grieving family for their loss.
It is important to note that this is not the first incident of a leopard attack in the region. Recently, a seven-year-old boy lost his life to a leopard in Katingpani village, within the boundaries of the Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary.
The local authorities are urging residents to exercise caution while venturing into forested areas and to remain vigilant, especially when children are playing outdoors. The forest department has assured the community that they are taking effective measures to address the issue and mitigate the risks associated with leopard-human conflicts.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between humans and wildlife. Efforts must be made to preserve wildlife habitats while also ensuring the safety and well-being of local communities. Conservation agencies and the government must work together to find sustainable solutions that protect both wildlife and human lives in harmony.
In conclusion, the recent leopard attack in Nuapada district has left the community in a state of panic. A woman lost her life, and a child was critically injured in separate incidents. Authorities are taking measures to track the leopard’s movements and warn residents of potential danger. While compensation has been provided to the affected family, it is crucial to find long-term solutions to prevent such wildlife-human conflicts in the future.
