Leopard attacks 10-year-old boy in Katni, child dies:Went to collect firewood with sister in Katni; forest staff search using drone

A leopard attacked a 10-year-old child in Katni. The leopard grabbed him in its jaws and took him into the dense forest. When the children who were with him raised an alarm, villagers reached the spot. They went into the forest to search for the child, where his body was found in the bushes. The incident took place on Tuesday afternoon in Ghunour village of Vijayraghavgarh tehsil in Katni district. Eyewitnesses said that Raj Kol had gone to collect wood in the forest with his sister and friends. During this time, a leopard hiding in the bushes pounced on him. Before anyone could understand what was happening or try to save Raj, the leopard ran towards the forest with him. Villagers ran towards the forest with sticks and clubs, but the leopard could not be traced. The child’s body was found among bushes about 500 meters inside the dense forest. Forest department team on site, cage ordered
Upon receiving information, the forest department and the police team reached the spot. The search operation was started with cordoning under the leadership of Forest Range Officer Gaurav Sharma. Drone cameras are being used to locate the leopard. The team is trying to determine its direction based on leopard’s footprints. Efforts to set up a cage to catch it have also begun. Villagers say – Forest department did not show proactiveness
Villagers allege that leopard activity was being seen in the area for several days. The forest department was informed about this. If patrolling had been increased in time or attempts had been made to catch the leopard, this incident could have been prevented. They have demanded action against guilty officials and appropriate compensation for the affected family. SDO said – Searching for the leopard
Sub Divisional Officer (SDO) Suresh Barole said, Raj Kol had gone to the revenue area near the forest to collect wood with his elder sister. During this time, a leopard was hunting a cow in the bushes. When the child went near, the leopard pounced on him and dragged him towards the forest. After about an hour of searching, the child’s body was found approximately 500 meters away from the incident site. Currently, the search is ongoing in the area to locate the leopard. SP Abhinay Vishwakarma said – When police reached the spot, they learned that the leopard had taken the child into the forest. A search operation was immediately started, during which the child’s body was recovered. After completing the panchnama proceedings, a case has been registered. The matter is being investigated.