Leopardess Suspected in Child's Death Captured in Uttar Pradesh Sanctuary
A female leopard, aged approximately 5 to 6 years, believed to be responsible for the tragic death of an eight-year-old boy in Bahraich district, has been successfully captured by forest officials. The operation took place late on Tuesday night within the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, bringing a tense situation under control.
Details of the Incident and Capture Operation
The fatal attack occurred on March 7 in Azamgarh Purva village, located near the Nishangarha forest range. The young victim was playing in the open yard of his home when the leopardess struck. Following the incident, forest teams sprang into action, deploying two cages with live bait at strategic, vulnerable locations after meticulously tracking the big cat's movements.
Range officer Surendra Shrivastav of the Nishangarha forest range led the monitoring efforts alongside dedicated field staff. Their persistent work culminated in the leopardess entering one of the cages, allowing for her safe capture.
Official Assessment and Decision on Release
Divisional forest officer Apoorv Dixit reported that the captured leopardess was found to be in good health, with no visible signs of physical injury or deformity. This assessment was crucial for determining her future.
In a significant development, Chief Wildlife Warden of Uttar Pradesh, Anuradha Vemuri, granted permission on Wednesday for the feline to be released. The designated relocation site is the Gerua forest region within the same Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, a move aimed at balancing wildlife conservation with local safety.
Community Pressure and Protests
The forest department faced intense pressure from local villagers in the aftermath of the attack. Residents, grieving and outraged, staged protests by keeping the boy's body at the site. They vocally accused the forest department of failing in its duty to protect the community from wild animal attacks, highlighting the ongoing challenges of human-wildlife conflict in the region.
This capture and planned release underscore the delicate balance forest authorities must maintain between ensuring public safety and preserving India's precious wildlife, a complex issue that continues to demand careful management and community engagement.
