Leopard declared “man-eater” after killing three children in 10 days in Balrampur district

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Leopard Declared “Man-Eater” After Third Fatal Attack in Uttar Pradesh’s Balrampur District

In a tragic turn of events, an eight-year-old boy was mauled to death by a leopard in Tulsipur block of Uttar Pradesh’s Balrampur district. This incident marks the third fatal attack by the same leopard in the area within a span of just 10 days. As a result, the state Forest Department has initiated the process to declare the animal as a “man-eater.”

The horrifying incident took place on Wednesday evening when the young boy, identified as Vikas, had ventured into a nearby sugarcane field to answer nature’s call in Belwa village. It was during this time that the leopard attacked and killed him.

This is not the first time the leopard has claimed a life. On November 5, a three-year-old girl named Nandini was also killed by the same feline in Lalnagar Sipahia village. Her body was discovered a few days later. Just six days later, on November 11, another child, six-year-old Arun, from the same village fell victim to the animal.

Balrampur Sub-divisional Forest Officer, Manoj Kumar, stated, “A letter has been sent to the Chief Wildlife Warden, recommending that the animal be declared a man-eater, considering it has claimed three lives in the past 10 days.”

In response to the alarming situation, multiple forest teams have intensified patrolling in the area. Trap cameras and cages have been strategically placed to capture the elusive feline. Forest officials are determined to tranquilize the animal and have sought the assistance of experienced shooters.

Balrampur Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Semmaran, revealed, “We are making every effort to capture the animal. Its pug marks indicate that it is an adult.”

Authorities suspect that the leopard entered the human habitat through the Sohelwa wildlife forest division, which is located approximately 20 kilometers away at the Indo-Nepal border. This forest division spans across the Gonda, Balrampur, and Shravasti districts.

However, tracking the leopard has proven to be challenging as it moves through sugarcane fields. The DFO expressed concerns about the difficulty in locating the animal.

Meanwhile, panic has gripped the local community following the series of attacks on children. The Forest Department is taking proactive measures to raise awareness among villagers about safety precautions. Pamphlets are being distributed, and voice messages are being sent through panchayat representatives to educate the public.

The forest officials are determined to bring an end to the terror unleashed by the leopard. With the declaration of the animal as a “man-eater,” efforts to capture it will be further intensified. The safety of the local community remains a priority, and the Forest Department is working tirelessly to ensure their protection..