Panic grips Supaul as leopard injures four; forest department launches rescue operation

Supaul/Patna: A sense of fear has gripped Raniganj in Basantpur block of Supaul district after a leopard strayed into the area, injuring four residents. The injured, including 19-year-old Nandan Kumar and Rajesh Kumar Yadav, were rushed to Veerpur Hospital for treatment.

The leopard was last sighted around 10:15 pm on Tuesday, prompting an overnight search operation by the forest department and local police. However, the forest department cited inadequate resources as a hindrance to carrying out the rescue at night, leaving residents to remain vigilant throughout.

The ordeal began on Tuesday evening when Nandan Kumar encountered the leopard hiding near a local residence. Upon hearing a growl, he investigated, only to be attacked by the animal. The commotion drew attention, and the leopard fled, entering a worship room in the house of Gulay Mandal.

Residents tried to confine the animal, but it escaped by breaking through the roof. During its escape, it attacked PRS Shivranjan Kumar of Bhagwanpur Panchayat. Later, the leopard entered another room without a door, causing further panic.

Forest ranger Ajay Kumar Thakur confirmed that efforts to capture the leopard are ongoing, though limited by the lack of resources for night operations. “We are alert and continuing the search,” he said. Basantpur CO Hemant Ankur advised residents to remain indoors with doors securely shut, adding that all four injured individuals are receiving treatment.

The search operation resumed on Wednesday morning as authorities worked to locate and safely capture the leopard, while residents anxiously awaited relief from the ongoing crisis.