Sighting of leopard triggers panic at Malabagh

Srinagar, Apr 13: Panic gripped Malabagh and its adjoining areas on city outskirts after sighting of a leopard in the area.

The wildlife department has confirmed the presence of wild animal in the area and mobilised teams to capture it.

A senior wildlife official told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that they have received “video evidence” about the presence of leopard from Malabagh area.

“People must be careful now onwards, children should not be allowed to move out especially during morning and evening hours and during the Fajar and Esha prayers, the people should go in groups with sufficient lights”, the official cautioned.

The official added that they have dispatched their teams and are going to install cages at multiple locations in the area and will also carry out the drone survey in the entire area.

“Teams have been deputed and cages are being installed at Ahmadnagar, Rangpora and Malabagh area and our departments vehicles are patrolling and sensitising the area,” he said.

The official added that there is high possibility that it can be only one leopard roaming in the area, stating that the animal roams in the territory within a radius of 20 Km.

Meanwhile, residents of these areas are in panic and they have restrained themselves and their children from venturing out in the area. Several shopkeepers have closed down their shops in fear of being getting attacked by the leopard.