Lucknow: A nine-year-old boy was killed in a leopard attack in the Sujauli area of the Katarniaghat wildlife division in Bahraich district on Monday night.The leopard reportedly attacked the child while he had gone to a tap outside his house to fetch water. The leopard dragged him away in front of his mother before fleeing into the darkness after family members and villagers raised an alarm and chased it with sticks.The victim, identified as Rajveer, 9, was seriously injured in the attack. He suffered deep bite injuries on his neck. His family members initially tried to take him to a hospital by ambulance, but when the ambulance service could not be reached, a local resident Mahipal Yadav took him to the community health centre in his vehicle. Doctors declared him dead on arrival.The incident took place around 11.30 pm on Monday in the Sujauli area, about 40 km from the Bahraich district headquarters.According to Rajveer’s mother, Sushila, the child had gone to the tap near their house when the leopard suddenly attacked him. Hearing his screams, family members rushed outside. Villagers also gathered and tried to drive the animal away by shouting and chasing it with sticks. The leopard eventually released the child and escaped towards the forest.Sushila is a homemaker and has five children. Her husband, Raju, died around five years ago after falling from a tree while cutting wood. Rajveer was the third of their five children — Kajal, 14, Nandini, 11, Rajveer, 9, Aryan, 7, and Nirbhaya, 5. Rajveer was a class three student.Villagers said they attempted to contact the forest department after the attack but could not immediately get through to the range office. The incident has triggered panic in the village, with residents expressing concern over the movement of wild animals near human settlements.Leopard pugmarks found near spot: Divisional forest officer Apoorv Dixit said leopard pugmarks were found near the site of the attack. Camera traps are being installed in the area to identify and track the animal. The forest department is also placing cages in the area to capture the leopard. Officials have advised villagers to remain alert and avoid venturing outside alone, particularly at night.According to the forest department, the area is currently affected by flooding. With forests and other low-lying areas inundated, wild animals are moving towards higher ground and nearby human settlements for shelter. This has increased wildlife activity around villages, officials said.The police reached the spot after being informed about the incident and sent the child’s body for post-mortem examination. DFO Dixit said ₹10,000 in immediate financial assistance had been provided to the deceased’s mother, while the remaining compensation would be released to the family as per govt norms.
