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Leopard attack: Two young lives lost in one month in Mysuru

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Mysuru: With two young lives lost to man animal conflict in a span of one month, the spotlight is back again on the burning issue that continues to prolong with no solution in sight.

Meghana a 23-year-old student died after she was attacked by a leopard at S Kebbehundi village in T Narasipur taluk in Mysuru district on the night of December 1. She was a final year BCom student at Government Degree College, T Narsipur.

She was in the backyard of her house, when the leopard hiding in the bushes pounced on her. The injured Meghana was rushed to Government Hospital in T Narasipur, but in vain, as she had succumbed to the injuries in transit.

Exactly a month ago on October 31, Manjunath aged 20 years was killed in a similar incident, near Magadur Lingaiahanahundi village in the same taluk. He was a BCom student at Maharaja’s College in Mysuru. He along with his friends had gone to the temple at Mallappa Hill near the village, when the leopard attacked him. Though his friends made an attempt to scare away the leopard, it proved little help in saving Manjunath’s life.

The budding two nipped at the bud in a tragic incident, which nobody dares to imagine, at the least.

Following the back to back fatal incidents that has caused outrage, the forest department has intensified the operation to trap the elusive leopard, with even shoot at sight orders issued by Conservator of Forest Malathi Priya. 

According to DCF Kamala V Karikalan “apart from the 10 camera traps and 15 cages kept in different places to trap the leopard, five more cages including a cage near Meghana’s house have been kept, as the animals naturally return to the prey after the kill”.

Ukkalagere near Magadur Lingaiahanahundi where the previous fatal attack took place, is 12 km from Kebbehundi. A leopard usually moves five to 15 km in a day”, the officer added adding at the possibilities of the same animal behind both the attacks.

Besides, the pug marks found near both the places are similar and it could be a male leopard aged about six to seven years, the DCF said explaining further.

Drone cameras are also being used to trace the animal as the forest department is facing the ire of the villagers especially after Meghana’s death.

However, acting cautiously, forest department has decided to shoot at the sight of the leopard only if it is proven to be the same leopard, the DCF clarified. 

– Team Mysoorunews 

Mysooru News

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