Patna, May 27 (IANS) A leopard that had allegedly terrorised villagers for the past three days in Chakla Bahiyar, located under the Tikapatti Police Station area of Bihar’s Purnea district, was ultimately killed by villagers after repeated attacks on livestock and local residents.

According to local residents, the leopard had strayed into the village and nearby agricultural fields, where it reportedly killed two calves and a goat.

The wild animal also attacked several villagers during the past few days, leaving at least three people injured.

All the injured individuals are reported to be out of danger.

On Wednesday, panic spread again after a leopard was spotted moving through the fields.

A large crowd of villagers gathered, surrounded the wild animal, and, after a prolonged confrontation, managed to kill it.

The incident triggered chaos and fear throughout the locality.

Villagers reported sightings of wild animals in the area for several days, but the leopard’s repeated attacks intensified fear among residents.

The matter had already been reported to the local police and the Forest Department.

Speaking about the incident, village head Shanti Devi said that information about the leopard’s movements and attacks had been communicated to the authorities, after which the administration and the Forest Department reached the spot.

After receiving information about the incident, officials from the local administration and the Forest Department arrived at the scene and took custody of the leopard’s carcass.

The injured villagers were treated at a nearby referral hospital.

Forest Department officials have now launched an investigation into how the leopard entered the populated area and whether there may be additional wildlife movement in the surrounding region.

According to an official, due to intense heat and humidity, the wild cat may have strayed into human habitats in search of water and food.

The leopard carcass was sent for post-mortem examination, which will be conducted by a panel of three veterinary doctors.

–IANS

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