Tragic Leopard Attack Claims Life of Four-Year-Old Boy in Pilibhit
A devastating incident unfolded in the Kheri district of Pilibhit on Wednesday, where a four-year-old boy was brutally mauled to death by a leopard. The tragic event occurred in a sugarcane field where the child's parents were working, highlighting the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in the region.
Details of the Heartbreaking Incident
The attack took place around 4:30 pm at Devipur village, which is located approximately 1 kilometer from the Palia forest range. The young victim, identified as Aradhya Rana, was sitting at the edge of the field while his parents were busy harvesting sugarcane. According to officials, the leopard suddenly emerged from the dense cane field, grabbed the child by the neck, and dragged him away.
The boy was found dead sometime later with severe injuries to his neck and face. His father, Radhe Rana, is an agricultural labourer and a member of the Tharu tribe. The incident has understandably caused significant anger and distress among the local villagers, who are demanding immediate action to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Immediate Response and Measures Taken
Palia forest range officer Vinay Kumar swiftly reached the spot with other forest personnel. They arranged for the body to be sent for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. In response to the attack, forest officials have deployed patrolling teams after identifying the leopard's movement through pugmarks found at the scene.
To capture and monitor the animal, authorities have installed two cages with live baits and four camera traps in the surrounding area. These measures aim to track the leopard's movements and ensure the safety of the local community.
Compensation and Official Statements
Forest officer Vinay Kumar confirmed that the case will be forwarded to the state forest administration for compensation. The victim's family is expected to receive Rs 5 lakh as financial assistance, a standard procedure in such tragic incidents involving wildlife attacks.
This heartbreaking event underscores the urgent need for effective wildlife management strategies in regions where human settlements intersect with forest areas. The deployment of patrolling teams and traps is a critical step, but long-term solutions are essential to mitigate such conflicts and protect both human lives and wildlife.
