A 7-year-old girl was injured in a leopard attack in Chhota Udepur district on Thursday evening, marking the third such incident in the area in just eight days, according to forest officials.
Details of the Attack
The victim, Kansula Bhil, was accompanying her father, Gordhan Bhil, to a shop in Hirpari village of Pavi Jetpur taluka. While walking a short distance ahead of her father, a leopard that was hiding in nearby fields pounced on her from behind.
"The leopard pounced on the girl from behind and injured her. She screamed for help, but before anyone could reach her, the leopard disappeared into the fields," said Jaydeep Solanki, Range Forest Officer of Pavi Jetpur.
Kansula sustained minor injuries to her face and neck. She was taken to a hospital for treatment, and forest officials confirmed that her condition is stable.
Previous Incidents
On Tuesday, a 35-year-old woman was attacked by a leopard in Bhesali village, also in Pavi Jetpur taluka. Bhesali is located approximately 3 kilometers from Hirpari. Forest officials believe the same leopard is responsible for both attacks.
"It must be the same leopard moving around in the area," Solanki said, adding that the animal is estimated to be around five years old and appears to have strayed into villages in search of food.
Eight days ago, a four-year-old girl, Dhruvisha Rathwa, was attacked by a leopard in Rasli village of Pavi Jetpur while playing near her house. Her father, Suresh Rathwa, fought off the animal and managed to save his daughter.
Forest Department Response
To trap the leopard, the forest department has placed six cages in Hirpari and Bhesali villages. Officials are monitoring the situation closely and have urged residents to remain vigilant, especially during early morning and evening hours when leopards are most active.
Residents have been advised to avoid venturing out alone in isolated areas and to report any sightings to the forest department immediately. The department is also considering deploying additional patrols and camera traps to track the animal's movements.
