In 10 days, at least 3 children have been killed by one or more leopards in the Palamu division of Jharkhand's Garhwa district.
The latest incident occurred when 6-year-old Sita Kumari was attacked and killed by a leopard in Sevadih village on 19 December 2022.
"Seeing the leopard grabbing the girl by her neck, villagers ran towards the big cat with sticks to save the child, following which the feline dragged her towards the forest. As the villagers reached there, the big cat fled leaving behind the girl, who died on the spot," Garhwa DFO said.
On 14 December, a 6-year-old had been killed by a wild cat in Rodo village. On 10 December, a 12-year-old girl had been mauled to death in Chipadohar area.
Forest officials believe that the same leopard is responsible for all 3 deaths. A decision is being taken on whether to declare the leopard a man-eater.
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Officials are also setting up cages to trap the wild animal. "We have put up a cage in the area where the girl was killed on Monday. It might return for the body," Garhwa DFO said.
(With PTI inputs)