Bahraich: Panic gripped villagers in the Nishangara Range of the Katarniaghat Wildlife Division after a leopard reportedly attacked a moving motorcycle near Azamgarhpurwa village on Sunday evening. The two riders narrowly escaped after the motorcyclist accelerated and managed to move away from the animal.According to reports, the leopard suddenly emerged from a sugarcane field near the village and pounced on the moving motorcycle. The rider, Rajkumar, a resident of Mukhiya Farm, accelerated to escape the attack and save himself and his friend.The incident has triggered fear among residents of surrounding villages, who have expressed concern over the frequent movement of leopards near human settlements.Following the incident, Gajmitras (elephant and wildlife conservation volunteers) patrolling the area immediately alerted villagers through megaphones and advised them to remain cautious.A team from the forest department also reached the spot. Forest Range Officer Ashish Gaur said a joint drive was conducted with the help of villagers and Gajmitras to drive the leopard away. The team raised a loud alarm and burst firecrackers to scare the animal. Following the operation, the leopard moved towards the forest.The forest department has appealed to residents to avoid venturing out alone during the evening hours and remain vigilant, particularly in areas adjoining sugarcane fields and forested stretches.Officials have also urged villagers to immediately inform the department about any further sightings of the leopard to ensure residents’ safety and prevent possible human-wildlife conflict.
