LUCKNOW: The Forest Department has captured the leopard believed to be responsible for the fatal attack on an 88-year-old man in the Katarniaghat Wildlife Division of Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district, bringing relief to residents of villages that had been gripped by fear following the incident.According to an official statement issued by the Katarniaghat Wildlife Division, the leopard was trapped safely in a cage at around 11 pm on July 20 in Ahiranpurwa village under the Kakraha Range, following an intensive search and surveillance operation.The operation was launched after a tragic human-wildlife conflict incident on July 18, when an 88-year-old villager was fatally attacked by a leopard in Ahiranpurwa village. The incident triggered widespread panic in Kakraha and adjoining villages, with residents demanding immediate action to capture the animal responsible.Responding to the incident, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Katarniaghat Wildlife Division Apoorv Dixit, directed the Range Forest Officer of Kakraha to deploy multiple teams for round-the-clock day-and-night patrolling in the affected area. After obtaining the necessary approvals from higher authorities, the department installed a trapping cage at a strategic location identified as sensitive to leopard movement.Forest officials said sustained surveillance, continuous patrolling and coordinated efforts by field staff led to the successful capture of the leopard without causing harm to the animal.According to the department, the captured leopard is a female, estimated to be around five years old.The Forest Department said further action regarding the rescued leopard will be taken in accordance with wildlife conservation protocols. Officials have also appealed to residents living near forest fringes to remain vigilant and immediately report any wildlife movement to the department.
