Leopard Caught After Fatal Attack on Farmer Near Katarniaghat Forest

A leopard was captured by the forest department a day after it killed a farmer near Katarniaghat forest. Officials described the leopard as a healthy male, suggesting the attack might have been accidental. The incident highlights ongoing human-wildlife conflicts in the area.

A leopard was captured by the forest department a day after it fatally attacked a 40-year-old farmer in a village close to the Katarniaghat forest, officials confirmed on Monday.

'It is a male leopard about eight to 10 years of age. The leopard looks completely healthy, so the killing of the farmer on Sunday must have been accidental,' stated Lalit Verma, field director of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.

The tragic incident occurred when the farmer, Kandhai, was working in his field in Dharmapur Bejha village. He was attacked on Sunday afternoon and died instantly. His mutilated body was found by his family. This month, a 35-year-old farmer and a 13-year-old girl were also injured in separate leopard attacks in the area. The Katarniaghat Wildlife Division, where these incidents occurred, is part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.

(With inputs from agencies.)