The residents of Katingpani Godhaspada village under Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary in Nuapada district are now living in a constant state of panic after a leopard reportedly killed a minor boy and a cow in a span of two days.
The wild animal killed an eight-year-old child at Katingpani Godhaspada village on Monday and dragged a cow from the same village early Tuesday morning.
As per reports, the leopard allegedly came prowling down from the nearest Sunabeda wildlife sanctuary and dragged a cow grazing in the village, subsequently killing it.
The incident triggered tension and fear among local residents.
On Monday, an eight-year-old boy of Godhaspada (Katingpani) was playing near his house when a leopard stormed into the village and dragged the boy away before the villagers could do anything to save the child.
Forest Department officials reached the village after they were informed. On searching the area, the body of the victim was recovered from the nearby forest.
No reaction has been received from the forest officials on this matter.
In the past, villages in the wildlife sanctuary have lost several cattle to leopard attacks. On April 21, 2023, a big cat had killed a calf near Brahmani village under the Amanara Forest section.
On March 20, 2023, an elderly woman, identified as Sanmati Barik (65) of Jalamadhei village under Sunabeda sanctuary was allegedly killed by a leopard while she was out collecting firewood.