bengal-leopard-kills-12-year-old-boy-3-deaths-in-2-months

Fear and anger gripped the Dooars yet again after a leopard attack claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy in Nagrakata block on Tuesday evening.

 

“The victim, identified as Asmit Roy, was returning home from the market in Kherkata slum when a leopard suddenly pounced on him and dragged him towards the forest. Hearing his desperate screams, locals rushed to the spot, forcing the animal to flee. The severely injured boy was taken to Shulkapada Hospital, where doctors declared him dead,” said a forest department official.

 

Asmit’s father, Shatrughan Roy, broke down inconsolably upon hearing the news of his son’s death. Locals residents gathered in large numbers in front of the forest department’s office demanding immediate steps to avoid such deadly leopard attacks.

 

“Why are effective measures not being taken despite repeated deaths?” residents questioned, accusing the authorities of negligence.

Forest officials from the Diana and Khunia ranges reached the site to pacify the angry crowd. Sanjay Kujur, president of Nagrakata Panchayat Samiti, was also present, urging people to maintain calm.

 

This is not an isolated incident. Leopard attacks have been on the rise in the Dooars in recent months. In July, a leopard dragged a three-year-old to death in Kalabari tea garden in Banarhat. Weeks later, another worker was killed in the same area. In late August, a sixth-grade student was mauled to death in Uttar Angrabhasha village while playing outside his house.

 

With three deaths in just two months, panic has spread across forest-fringe villages. Locals say they live in constant fear, especially after dusk. Although the forest department has deployed cages and installed cameras, villagers are doubtful of their effectiveness.

 

“Our only demand is that the administration take strict and effective steps before more lives are lost,” said a resident.

 

For now, the shadow of the leopard continues to haunt the Dooars, leaving communities gripped by grief and uncertainty.

 

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