Dead leopard found on Bishnupu

Local

Dead leopard found on Bishnupur forest road, Panic grips hamlets

Panic gripped some jungle adjacent localities near this civic town in the small hours today after a leopard was found lying dead beside the Bankadaha road.

The incident also sparked off a widespread curiosity and concern, as leopards are rarely sighted in these South Bengal forests.

According to local sources, the carcass was discovered along the Bankadah–Jayarambati road late at night. Residents who first spotted the dead animal immediately informed the forest department. Soon after, a team of officials arrived at the scene and recovered the carcass, which later was sent for autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Preliminary suspicions point to a possible road accident, as officials believe the leopard may have been struck by a speeding vehicle while crossing the forest road. However, forest authorities have not ruled out other possibilities like infighting or encounter with some other powerful animals like the roaming elephant herds and are awaiting the post-mortem report for confirmation.

A senior forest official said: “The circumstances under which the leopard entered the Bishnupur forest are still unclear. We are investigating whether it wandered in from an adjoining forest area. Further details will emerge once the autopsy report is available.”

The rare appearance — and sudden death of a leopard in this region has triggered off panic and speculation among locals. Many villagers have urged the authorities to intensify night patrols and monitor wildlife movements to ensure safety in the area.

The forest department has launched a probe and assured that further steps will be taken once the investigation concludes.