JORHAT: A wounded leopard was on February 2 found in Johat's Murmuriya tea estate. Locals who came upon the wounded leopard reportedly tortured the leopard as it fought for its life. To make matters worse, the forest officials who were summoned to treat the wounded feline arrived five hours late.
According to locals, the feline had gotten into a fight with another leopard and was badly wounded during the scuffle.
ALSO READ: Pandemic takes its toll on cricket; no Ranji Trophy for the first time in 87 years
"Last night, loud roars were heard and we had presumed that there was a fight between big cats. In the morning, locals found a leopard in a near-dead state. Although the locals informed the forest officials, they took their own sweet time to arrive at the location. Locals, in the meantime, pulled out the leopard's fur. Some have perhaps trimmed its nails. Due to the negligence of the forest officials, this leopard might soon succumb to its injuries," a concerned local disclosed to newspersons.
Although forest officials were informed about the locals as soon as they came upon the wounded cat, a team arrived on the scene 5 hours late.
However, locals fear that the delay in the arrival of the team could cause the leopard to die.
Copyright©2024 Living Media India Limited. For reprint rights: Syndications Today