Man-eater leopard trapped, injures wildlife expert

SHRAVASTI: After 45-day strike the forest department managed to trap man-eater leopard in Sohelwa wildlife sanctuary. Even while being caged, the ferocious leopard attacked and injured wildlife expert ZA Warsi. He was later rushed to nearby CHC, where his condition was stated to be stable. The leopard too was injured as it tried to break out of the cage while being sent off to Zoological Garden in state capital for treatment.

The forest department had laid a trap for the leopard at Tenduanagar beat of Barahwa range near western Dhobainiya Nullah.

The leopard had unleashed a reign of terror in the area. On August 27, it had dragged away a 10-year-old girl from a machan while she was guarding her crop in Bhadwar village under Haraiyya police station.

Soon after the incident, forest department placed cage at four different places to nab the leopard before it turned man-eater. Despite 15-day-long effort, the leopard remained traceless.

On September 16, the leopard again appeared from the forest and dragged away 10-year-old girl from outside her house in Baghdhara village. After being chased by villagers, the leopard escaped into the jungle leaving behind the girl's body. During its escape, the big cat injured several cattle and villagers.

A forest department team led by wildlife expert ZA Warsi had been tracking the leopard through its pug marks. On Monday evening, they tied a dog inside the case to lure the leopard. The big cat took the bait and entered the cage only to be caught. After being informed about the capture, night ranger Manoj Singh and forest security officer Avnish Dwivedi rushed to the spot along with ZA Warsi. As Warsi tried to lock the cage, the leopard attacked leaving him seriously injured.