Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh: A 60-year-old woman was seriously injured after a leopard entered her house and attacked her while she was sleeping in the early hours of Wednesday in Rajapur Girant village, under the Motipur police station area.
The victim, identified as Jai Kala, was asleep at around 2 am when the leopard suddenly entered the house and pounced on her. She raised an alarm, attracting the attention of nearby villagers. The animal fled when residents rushed to the spot.
The injured woman was taken with the help of villagers to the Community Health Centre in Mihipurwa, where she received medical treatment.
Forest Department launches search
Following the incident, Forest Department officials reached the village and inspected the site. Katarniaghat Divisional Forest Officer Apoorv Dixit confirmed that the attack was carried out by a leopard and said teams had begun combing operations to locate the animal.
Officials also plan to install cage traps to capture the leopard and prevent further attacks.
Villagers demand stronger surveillance
The incident has caused considerable fear in the village, which lies close to forested areas. Residents told forest officials that wild animals are frequently seen near their homes, with the forest reportedly only about 800 metres from the residential area.
Villagers have demanded intensified patrolling and surveillance, particularly at night and during the early morning hours, when encounters with wildlife can pose a greater risk.
Forest officials have assured residents that the leopard’s movements will be closely monitored and that efforts will continue to capture the animal.
The attack once again highlights the growing challenge of human-leopard conflict in villages bordering forest habitats, where protecting local communities must go hand in hand with ensuring the safe management and conservation of wildlife.
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