Darted leopard killed by villagers

TT, 01 Feb 2019, Alipurduar: A leopard that strayed out into a village in Falakata block of Alipurduar district on Thursday was beaten to death by a section of locals after it injured five persons.

Foresters could not control the crowd, which jumped on the animal that had become drowsy after a dart was shot at it. Panic has spread among residents following repeated leopard attacks which have led to injuries and loss of children's lives in recent weeks.

Sources said around 12.30pm, Nripen Barman, a farmer, was working at field in Raichenga village of Falakata block. He spotted the animal raised the alarm. The animal ran and took shelter in a drain close to a bamboo bush.

Foresters were informed a team from Jaldapara South Range, reached the spot.

The leopard after it was beaten to death. Picture by Anirban Choudhury Meanwhile, hundreds had gathered at the location.

"We repeatedly asked the villagers to leave the place and let us trap or dart the animal. But they did not bother to listen to us," said a forest officer.

As more and more people swarmed in the area, some of them moved closer and started teasing the animal. This left the leopard agitated and it attacked the enthusiasts, injuring five of them.

After some time, foresters could dart the animal. As it fell drowsy, some residents moved forward with sticks and stones and started beating the animal. "We rushed the leopard to the rescue centre in South Khairbari but found it dead," added the official.

The animal, sources said, is suspected to have sneaked into the village from the neighbouring Kadambini Tea Estate, close to Jaldapara National Park.

"It is unfortunate that villagers have beaten the leopard to death after it was darted. We will file a complaint with the police. Another leopard has been caged but it is not the one we have been searching for," said Ujjwal Ghosh CCF (wild life, north).