A wave of terror has gripped villages in Nainital district after a suspected leopard claimed its third human life in less than a week. The latest victim, a 35-year-old woman, was attacked and killed while collecting firewood near her home, sparking panic and angry protests among local residents who are demanding immediate action from authorities.
Details of the Fatal Attack
The tragic incident occurred on January 2 in Khutiyakhal village, located within the Dhari block of Nainital. The victim, identified as Ganga Devi, had gone to a nearby forest in the morning to perform her daily chores. According to reports, a leopard ambushed her, dragged her away from the site, and mauled her to death.
Villagers, alerted by her screams, launched a frantic search operation. They later discovered her mutilated body nearly two kilometers away from the village. Police officials took the body for a post-mortem examination, while forest department personnel arrived at the scene. The department issued advisories, urging villagers to avoid forested areas during the early morning and evening hours, and stated that patrolling in the region has been increased.
Mounting Public Anger and Official Response
The attack has ignited fury and fear within the community. Residents of Khutiyakhal village staged protests, blaming the forest department for its perceived inaction despite repeated alerts about leopard sightings in the area. "We are living in constant fear," a resident told reporters. "People cannot even go out to gather fodder or firewood. How many more lives will be lost before something is done? The leopard should be shot immediately."
This was not an isolated incident. It represents the third fatal leopard attack reported in the Dhari block area in rapid succession:
- On December 26, a woman named Hema was killed by a leopard in Dini Talli village.
- On December 30, another woman was mauled to death in Chamoli village of Khansyu while collecting firewood and fodder.
Forest Department's Measures and Challenges
Facing intense public pressure, Nainital divisional forest officer Aakash Gangwar addressed the situation. He confirmed that officials are closely monitoring the area and are implementing additional measures to track the elusive predator. "We had already installed cages and camera traps, but the animal has not been spotted," Gangwar stated. "Now, we are adding more cages and building a machan (watchtower) to observe its movements. We are considering capture or tranquilisation."
The consecutive attacks highlight the growing human-wildlife conflict in the region, putting the spotlight on the urgent need for effective mitigation strategies to ensure the safety of villagers while also addressing wildlife conservation concerns.
