Leopard that injured three villagers in Bahraich tranquilised, released into forest

A sub-adult female leopard that injured three villagers after straying into a village in Bahraich district was tranquilised and later released into a forest area, officials said on Monday.

The incident occurred in Moujipurwa village under the Chakia range of the Bahraich forest division on Sunday morning, triggering panic among residents, many of whom climbed onto rooftops for safety.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sunderesha said villagers first spotted the leopard roaming inside the village. As residents began running in fear, the frightened animal also started moving around frantically.

During the commotion, the leopard attacked three villagers -- Fazlur Rahman, Zuber and Naseem -- causing minor injuries and scratches, the official said.

As panic spread and a large number of villagers gathered at the spot, the leopard entered a house and hid inside, he said.

Forest department personnel, with the help of villagers, secured the house by barricading the entrance with wooden poles and nets.

Keeping public safety in mind, the forest department launched a rescue operation. Officials broke a rear wall of the house to gain access and, by evening, a team of tranquilising experts managed to sedate the leopard.

The animal was then captured in a net and placed inside a cage, the DFO said.

Veterinary doctors conducted a health examination of the leopard. After confirming that the animal was not dangerous, forest officials released it into the dense forests of Rupaidiha following approval from senior authorities, he added.

According to the DFO, the rescued leopard is a female aged around one and a half years.

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