Leopard strikes fear in Margherita tea estates: Livestock killed, residents alarmed

Residents and workers of Margherita and Dirok Tea Estates are living in fear as a leopard continues to roam freely within the estates under the Margherita West Regional Forest Office, part of the Digboi Forest Division.

Reports indicate that the big cat has been killing livestock across various parts of the estates, spreading panic among the workers. 

Last night, a tiger attacked Line No. 6 of Margherita Tea Estate, killing a cow calf belonging to Sukhram Sanga inside his cowshed. Pedestrians also reported sightings of the tiger near the main road at night, heightening fears about the animal’s unchecked movements.

The presence of the leopard and tiger within public areas and tea gardens has left locals anxious about their safety. Residents have appealed to the forest department to take immediate and effective measures to control the situation and ensure the safety of people and their livestock.