Bargarh: Panic gripped Dunguri village under Ambabhona block in Bargarh district after a leopard allegedly killed a calf in the early hours of Thursday near the Chandi Mandir. Eyewitnesses claimed they spotted a three-to-four-feet-tall big cat feeding on the calf and initially described it as a tiger.
However, the Forest Department has clarified that it is not a Royal Bengal Tiger. Bargarh Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Saroj Panda stated that the animal is most likely a leopard, as 30 to 40 leopards are known to inhabit the area, with around 40-50 leopards residing in the nearby Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary and surrounding forests.
“The incident is under investigation. We are examining pug marks and other evidence collected from the spot,” Panda added. Officials are also verifying a video of a leopard roaming in the nearby areas that has gone viral on social media.
The killing has triggered widespread fear among villagers, especially since many school students use the same road daily to commute to and from school. Residents have lodged complaints with the Forest Department about big cats frequently roaming near the village, but they expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of concrete action.
“Despite repeated complaints about tigers or leopards entering the village, the department is not taking adequate steps,” alleged some villagers. An atmosphere of fear now prevails in Dunguri following the calf’s death and reports of the wild animal’s presence. The Forest Department has appealed to locals to remain alert and avoid venturing into forested areas after dark, while assuring that teams are actively monitoring the situation and collecting further evidence.
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Bargarh district, is known for its leopard population along with other wildlife. Such human-wildlife conflicts have been reported in several parts of western Odisha in recent times.
