Leopard attacks couple in Bahraich, climbs tree after villagers raise alarm

LUCKNOW: A leopard attacked a couple working in a sugarcane field in Bahraich on Thursday afternoon and later climbed a nearby tree while trying to escape from villagers. The incident was reported from Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary.The incident took place in Pandit Purwa hamlet under Daljitpurwa gram panchayat in the Motipur forest range area of Katarniaghat Sanctuary.According to forest officials and local residents, Ramavati (48) and her husband Rameshwar were irrigating their sugarcane field when the leopard, which was reportedly hiding inside the crop, suddenly attacked the woman from behind.Hearing his wife’s screams, Rameshwar, who was working a short distance away, rushed to rescue her. The couple reportedly fought the leopard for nearly five minutes in a desperate attempt to save themselves.The commotion alerted nearby villagers, who rushed to the spot carrying sticks and raised an alarm. Seeing the crowd gathering, the leopard released the couple and climbed a nearby sheesham tree.On receiving information, forest department teams from the Motipur range immediately reached the village and cordoned off the entire area. Officials said efforts were underway to safely drive the leopard back into the forest.Motipur Range Officer SK Tiwari said the injured couple was first taken to the Motipur Community Health Centre for primary treatment and was later referred to a medical college due to injuries sustained in the attack.Forest personnel remained deployed in the area and monitored the leopard’s movement from the tree.The incident triggered fear among villagers, many of whom demanded that the forest department install cages in the area to prevent further attacks.Divisional Forest Officer of Katarniaghat, Apoorv Dixit, said the injured couple was provided immediate financial assistance of Rs 5,000 as ex gratia relief.Range Officer SK Tiwari visited the hospital and enquired about their condition.The latest incident is part of a series of leopard attacks reported from villages near the Katarniaghat forest area in recent days.Forest officials said surveillance has been intensified in vulnerable villages bordering the sanctuary and teams are on alert following repeated sightings of leopards in agricultural fields.