Panic gripped the residents of Siliaribahara village under Dharamabandha section of Nuapada Sadar forest range after a leopard was spotted around in a forest near the village.
Upon close observation, the leopard was found to be in poor health as it was unable to walk properly. It was withering around in pain due to some reason when villagers spotted it and alerted the forest officials.
On being informed, local forest officials reached the spot and captured the leopard after hours of efforts. The leopard was first caught using a huge net following which it was put into a cage and taken for medical examination.
The leopard will be released in a deep forest after its proper medical examination, reports said.
On the other hand, a goat was found dead at Pawartola village under Amanara section of Nuapada Sadar Range. It is unclear if the leopard had killed it before its health deteriorated or if there are more leopards in the area.
The incident has spread terror in the village. Panicked locals are scared to step out of their houses and remain indoors.