Assam: Leopard Trapped in Doomdooma Tea Estate After Days of Panic; Workers Voice Fear Over Rising Human–Wildlife Conflict

Tea Workers on Tuesday, April 21 raised concern over human - wildlife conflict after a leopard that had triggered widespread panic in a tea garden area of Upper Assam's Tinsukia was finally trapped by forest officials in the early hours of Monday at Roseberry (Daimukhia) Tea Estate near Doomdooma as it brought temporary relief to workers and residents after days of fear and tension.

 

The big cat had reportedly been moving around the estate for several days, leading to the disappearance of livestock such as goats and poultry and creating an atmosphere of anxiety among tea garden workers. 

 

The situation escalated on March 31 when a 60-year-old woman worker, Mangri Mangla, was seriously injured in a sudden leopard attack while plucking leaves. She was later admitted to Assam Medical College and Hospital in Dibrugarh in critical condition.

 

Forest officials, in coordination with the tea estate management, launched a sustained operation to capture the animal. Multiple cages were strategically placed across vulnerable sections of the estate over the past week.

 

 “We had been closely monitoring the leopard’s movement and set traps accordingly,” a forest official said.

 

The leopard was eventually caught inside one such cage installed in Section No. 4 of the estate.

 

 Following the capture, forest personnel took custody of the animal. Its relocation site, however, is yet to be finalised. 

 

“The animal will be relocated to a suitable habitat after necessary procedures,” an official added.

 

The incident has once again highlighted the growing instances of human–leopard conflict in tea garden-dominated regions of Tinsukia district.

 

 Workers have expressed serious concern over their safety, especially during peak plucking hours. 

 

“We live in constant fear while going to work. Such incidents are becoming frequent,” said a tea garden worker.

Meanwhile, residents gathered in large numbers after news of the leopard’s capture spread, reflecting both curiosity and relief.

 

 Authorities have urged people to remain cautious and avoid venturing into dense areas alone.

 

With repeated encounters between humans and wild animals being reported from the region, experts stress the need for long-term mitigation measures, including habitat management and awareness among local communities.