Forest department officials set up cages to trap maneater leopard
Child had gone to the toilet in the night
Shimla | TNR
A seven-year-old girl was killed by a leopard at Kanlog in Shimla district, late on Thursday night. A search operation launched by forest authorities found the head and other body parts of the girl deep in the forest area.
Officials of the forest department set up two cages to trap the leopard. They also placed five trap cameras at different points to track the movements of the leopard, which is reported to have turned a maneater. The incident has spread terror in the area.
Girl has stepped out to the toilet
The girl had stepped out of her house to go to the toilet when the leopard attacked her. Hearing the sound of a bucket rolling over, the grandmother ran out to see the leopard carrying the girl away.
Villagers gathered at the spot on hearing her screams and immediately alerted the local authorities.
This area of Kanlog is always in pitch darkness because there are no street lights in the areas. Authorities have now begun installing street lights in the area and the Shimla urban district forest officer Pawan Chouhan has advised villagers living close to the forests to keep their windows closed at all times.
Details of the girl’s torso being found were later given by Kanlog civic councillor Brij Sood.
People in Shimla living in terror
Following this incident, the people of Shimla are living in constant fear and terror. It has become difficult now for women and children to step outdoors, particularly people returning from work late at night.
There have been similar incidents in Krishna Nagar, Sanjauli Housing Board colony, areas near Shiv Mandir Dhobighat, Kainthu, Banuti, Badash, Kanlog and Phaagli railway station, where people have been attacked and killed by leopards.
Leopards roam in posh colonies too
Incidentally, leopards have been seen roaming in posh colonies like Sanjauli, Kainthu and Pagli. Leopards have killed pets and stray dogs in these areas during the past year.
